Imagine with me for a moment.
Imagine that every interaction we have with another person is like a brushstroke on a white canvas.
Anytime they see bits of us, conversations we have, or things learned about each other, there is picture being painted.
That picture is the image of the person someone believes we are.
But, no person is actually a blank slate, so when you let a little of yourself be known, it’s not like paint on a white canvas; instead, it’s more like graffiti in a busy cityscape.
It's incredible how varied and diverse this mosaic can be, reflecting the complexity of human relationship and perception.
The image of you in someone’s mind is only a shadow compared to the fullness of the person you actually are.
We have to embrace peace in accepting that we can't control how others see us. Even if we’ve only given them our bests, or ourselves with our best intentions, their perception is based just as much on who they are, as it is who we actually are.
It's a liberating thought: the notion that we don’t have to obsess over perfecting the picture others have of us, or tirelessly correcting every opinion someone holds.
Rather than seeking validation from others or attempting to control their perceptions of us, we can spend our time cultivating the qualities that align with our values.
Because you know what’s more fulfilling than being the best or happiest or most amazing versions of ourselves in others minds? Actually being the best and most fulfilled versions of ourselves in our real life.
This social media world caters to our desires to be the most thriving version of us in everyone else’s view, but if we spend our time actually being that person, we won’t worry about trying to convey that story in little squares and captions over the internet.
Our happiness and fulfillment don’t come by conforming to or trying to update the various versions of us in other people's minds, but living a life in real life aligned with our core beliefs, values, and aspirations.
And you’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to mess up and grow and get better. You’re allowed to be the villain in someone’s story or the wannabe or weirdo in someone else’s. Don’t let the picture they have of you in their minds affect who you really are.
We are not responsible for correcting someone's misunderstandings; our focus should remain only on grace and personal growth. If someone wants to see who you are, and who you’re becoming, they will. If they don’t, they aren’t your people anyway. Just keep giving your very best and don’t sweat how you’re received in the world.
