There may be someone in your life right now.
Who doesn't completely understand you.
Maybe.
They misunderstand a decision you made.
Maybe.
They have a version.
Of a conversation that feels very different.
From yours.
Maybe.
They think they know why you did something.
Or maybe.
.
.
You can simply feel that they see you in a way that doesn't quite match who you know yourself to be.
And there's something deeply uncomfortable about that.
Because.
When we know someone,
Has the wrong idea about us?
There can be this almost.
Immediate urge.
To fix it.
To explain.
To clarify.
To give them just a little more information.
So that maybe they'll finally see what we see.
But I want to offer you something today.
That may feel a little uncomfortable at first.
You can let them.
Have their version of you.
You don't have to correct it.
You don't have to convince them.
You don't?
Have to keep presenting evidence.
Until they finally understand.
You can know.
Who you are.
Even when someone else.
Sees you differently.
And I know that's easier said than done.
Especially if you're someone who cares deeply about other people.
Especially if you've spent a lot of your life trying to be thoughtful,
Kind,
Responsible,
Or fair.
Being misunderstood.
Can feel almost like an accusation.
Your mind starts building the case.
But that's not what happened.
That's not what I meant.
If only they knew the whole story.
And maybe they don't know.
The whole story.
Maybe.
They never will.
Just notice what happens inside of you.
When I say that.
Maybe they never will.
There's a kind of freedom that begins when we stop believing that everyone needs access.
To the whole story.
Some people will know pieces of you.
Some people will know you deeply.
Some people will misunderstand you.
Will interpret your choices.
Through the lens of their own experiences.
Expectations.
Disappointment.
And fears.
And none of that.
Determines who you are.
You are still you.
Your intentions are still your intentions.
Your values are still your values.
Your story is still your story.
You don't have to hand it over to someone else for approval.
And maybe There is someone you're thinking about right now.
Someone.
Whose opinion has been taking up more space in your mind.
Than you would like.
Just.
Notice that.
Notice how much energy.
You may have been spending trying to change something that exists.
Inside another person's mind.
And then imagine.
Just for a moment.
Setting that responsibility down.
Not because you don't care.
Not because their feelings don't matter.
But because their perception.
The lungs.
To them.
And your responsibility is not to manage every perception of you.
Your responsibility is to live in a way that feels aligned.
Who you want to be.
That means sometimes asking yourself hard questions.
Was I kind?
Was I honest?
Did I behave in a way that reflects my values?
Is there something I need to repair?
And if there is?
You can repair it.
You can apologize.
You can clarify.
You can do better.
But after you've done what belongs to you.
There comes a point when the rest belongs to them.
That's the part we sometimes have trouble releasing.
So maybe.
.
.
Today.
You practice something very small.
When you notice yourself.
Replaying the conversation.
Imagining.
What they're thinking.
Or rehearsing the explanation you wish you could give.
Come back to yourself.
You might quietly remind yourself.
They are allowed.
To have their perspective.
And I am allowed.
To know myself.
Both can exist.
At the same time.
You don't have to chase.
Every misunderstanding.
You don't have to correct.
Every version of you that exists.
In someone else's mind.
You don't have to spend your life.
Making sure.
Everyone sees your heart.
Exactly the way you wish they would.
Some people.
Will understand you.
Thumb.
And you can still be okay.
You can still move.
You can still trust yourself.
So if you've been carrying someone else's perception of you today,
Maybe this is your invitation.
To put it down.
Let them have their version.
And you?
You keep living yours.
