Moment of Reflection: It’s Not Always About You… and That’s Okay
Something happened recently that made me pause and reflect deeply. It’s one of those little moments that sneak up on you but leave a big imprint on your heart. A friend of mine saw an old picture of me — one from just a few months before I had my last baby — and she didn’t believe it was me.
She stared at the photo and confidently said, “No, that’s not you.”
And I was like, “Wait… what? That is definitely me. I remember the day, the outfit, the feeling. That’s me.”
But she just wouldn’t accept it.
What got to me wasn’t that she didn’t believe me — I know who I am. What struck me was how convinced she was in her own perception that she couldn’t accept the truth I was standing there giving her. The energy she gave off — that firm belief that I was lying — was loud. It was so loud I almost questioned myself… almost.
But no. I know it was me.
And that’s when the revelation hit me: people will believe what they want to believe. Their version of you, their version of reality, their opinion — it’s all colored by their own lens, which is often tainted by insecurity, comparison, pain, pride, or past experiences.
Sometimes, it’s not even about you at all.
The Power of Projection
We all walk around carrying thoughts, fears, doubts, and dreams. And some people? Some walk around feeling unworthy, unseen, or small. And instead of dealing with that heaviness, they project it onto others — intentionally or not.
They may try to shrink your shine so they feel more comfortable in their dim.
But here’s what I realized: you don’t have to carry someone else’s insecurity on your shoulders. You’re not responsible for their emotional state. Their disbelief doesn’t get to rewrite your truth.
Protect Your Peace, Guard Your Joy
In that moment with my friend, I chose peace. I stopped arguing. I let her think what she wanted to think. Because I realized the more I tried to convince her, the more I was giving away my peace and power. And for what? To win an argument over my own identity?
Sis, that’s exhausting. And unnecessary.
You are not obligated to explain or defend your truth to people who’ve already decided not to see it.
Your worth isn’t up for debate. Your beauty, your growth, your progress — all of it is valid, even if others can’t or won’t recognize it.
A Word for You, Sweet Friend
If you’re reading this and you’ve been struggling with what others think about you… let it go. What they think about you is not your business.
You don’t need their validation to know you’re worthy. You don’t need their applause to keep walking in your purpose. You don’t need their agreement to know your truth.
Let them think what they want. Let them doubt. Let them misunderstand.
You keep loving yourself. You keep showing up. You keep standing in your truth.
Because when you try too hard to prove yourself to people who are determined not to believe in you, you end up tired, bitter, and disconnected from the joy that belongs to you.
Here’s Your Reminder:
- You are enough, with or without their approval.
- You are amazing, even when they don’t see it.
- You are allowed to celebrate your growth, even when others try to minimize it.
- And most importantly — you don’t owe anyone a watered-down version of yourself to make them comfortable.
Let people have their bad days. Let them battle their inner demons.
But you — sweet, strong, joyful you — don’t let their cloud cover your sunshine.
Keep your joy. Protect it like the treasure it is. Because that joy? It’s yours. And nobody gets to steal it unless you hand it over.
So don’t.
With love and joy,
Maryam
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