I’ve had to undo a lot of the misperceptions I was raised with. I imagine it like a pendulum, constantly swinging from side to side, pulled by the opinions and judgments of others. Every time someone tries to tell me how to live, they’re pushing that pendulum. My own truth, my center, is in the middle. When I see the pendulum swinging towards someone else’s perspective, I gently guide it back to center.
People will try to sway you, pushing their own agendas. I used to second-guess myself, wondering if they were right. But they’re not. They’re often caught in a cycle of chasing external validation, thinking happiness comes from material possessions or achieving certain milestones. It’s fine to have goals, but it’s not healthy to obsess over them. I’ve encountered people who deliberately try to manipulate me, pushing their lifestyle or beliefs onto me. It’s taken me a long time to see how manipulative and even deceitful people can be.
They can find their own truth, but I know mine. When someone tries to influence me or speaks negatively about me, I picture that pendulum, centered on my own understanding. They don’t know me. They’re projecting their own experiences and desires onto me, assuming I want the same things they do. It’s ridiculous. Just because they value certain things doesn’t mean I have to. They have no idea what truly matters to me.
It’s almost comical how many people are lost, always searching for the next thing to buy, waiting for the next delivery, hoping it will finally bring them happiness. But the feeling is always temporary. I enjoy some material things, but I know they aren’t the key. I find joy in music, in my relationships with loved ones, in kindness, empathy, and genuine connection. The world can be a very judgmental place, with so many people blindly following trends and celebrity culture, influenced by media hype. I choose a different path.
Coffee & a Playlist 