The following was written by a good friend of mine. I am cross-posting her articles here to ensure that they will always be on the internet and that her words will always have a way of reaching her intended audience. She has struggled immensely in her own life with family who failed to support her – who abused her instead of offering the love and care she provided them. Her alchemies run deep, and she has a perspective like no one else – a perspective I have decided to share with my audience. These articles date years back and through them you will see a firsthand snapshot of a remarkable woman’s growth.

-Eric

We want to believe the truth is right there, in the open, for all to freely see.

But it’s not.

The surface is full of, shall we say, misrepresentations. Lies are plenty up here, where you can easily view. Lies are everywhere, actually.

As it turns out, the truth is hidden, more often than not.

Do you want to find it? Well, I’ve looked, and I can tell you where it isn’t. Maybe we can find honesty together?

Truth Doesn’t Take Sides

Contrary to what we’re supposed to believe, we are not concerned with the actual truth. Instead, we aim to choose a winning (and thus a losing) side.

There are a plethora of factors known to influence a decision. This might include money, social status, personal biases, and gullibility.

Unfortunately, none of those factors directly equate to sincerity. They can, however, influence someone’s perspective.

Like a passionate debater, we just want our side to be heard.

Then win.

The thing is, true truth (ha) doesn’t take sides.

It can’t. One side will probably try to cancel the other, thus some actuality will be concealed. Vital information is lost when we silence each other. You know?

The Truth Exists In All Combined Accounts

“There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.” ― Robert Evans

Look, sometimes we don’t remember events as accurately as you might think. (Sorry.) You could get too caught up in your emotions. Maybe you were severely overwhelmed, and just didn’t process some of the details. It could be that you didn’t see what happened.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand that your version of events is not necessarily the entire story.

‘Their’ version of events could be just as genuine. (Unless it’s not, of course. Damn liars.)

The Echo Chamber and Other Perspectives

The echo chamber sure does help your ego grow. It also aids in your shrinking potential.

This is why it’s so important to listen to other viewpoints.

Echo chambers take place when we exclusively entertain our own perspective, basically. We say something, and we’re rewarded by our peers. Not because the content is absolutely true, but because we want it to be.

Perhaps the message is actually honest. It could be that you’re really sharing accurate information. Still it’s probably not the entire truth.

Again, these limited views probably ignore a good bit of crucial data. Therefore, a substantial amount of understanding is lost.

You shut out many potential gifts, and useful information, when you refuse to entertain other viewpoints. Not only that, but we also limit your world view kinda to the point of insanity. Closed minds aim to stay that way, and that can become quite damning and painfully lonely.

Distractions Keep Your From Actuality

Imagine you’re watching a kid’s TV show. Undoubtedly, the child must keep her parents from discovering the massive mess in the bathroom, or something.

How do they do that?

They use distractions. The children might cause other problems so the parents’ attention is kept elsewhere. Maybe the daughter shows off something shiny on Amazon. Maybe she offers to buy them a gift while the son offers to make them dinner. Perhaps the kids tried to use confusion in some manner.

The point is distraction is sneaky. And it’s powerful, especially when we’re not aware of it.

To find the truth, go beyond the diversions.

One more vital note here. Distractions are absolutely everywhere, even in yourself.

Look out.

How People With Ill Intent Use the Truth to Attack You

You know how a manipulator successfully manipulates? Oftentimes, they use a grain of truth, and then position all their lies around that truthful grain.

They may twist words you said six months ago, so it is familiar to you, but feels so wrong. Hopefully, you can realize it’s because most of their words are bullshit. If not, you’re likely to conclude that you’re the problem, and that they must be right.

Malice people cause enough doubt and questioning that they basically disorient you. In fact, they’re masters at this game. From there, an abuser’s only goal is to keep you perplexed. And controlled.

Then they swiftly present themselves as your savior. They tell you they’re protecting you, and that they are guiding you.

Make no mistake, they are guiding you. Straight to Hell. A manipulator’s claims of protection is just another lie.

In fact, it’s usually just a play to keep the actuality hidden so their lies, and therefore your suffering, might flourish. (Or try to.)

Your Truth is Hidden Inside You

With all the above said, your truth matters most. This isn’t our opinions, stories, or insecurities, though. What’s beyond that?

It’s your authenticity. Sometimes we just know when someone is lying. We may instinctively know what to do next, or how we feel about something.

These little tidbits of information want to guide you to your truth. Life tends to go a lot smoother if we allow that direction.

In some ways, human beings are not very reliable, or open.

However, there are parts of us that are always knowledgeable. They know the truth. (Or at least the truth that they know, I guess.)

But the rest of the world, it seems, will do whatever it takes to hide it from you.

For this reason, do not discount what you really know deep down inside.

Sometimes, your truth is the truth. You know? (Just don’t imprison yourself in an ill-fated-echo situation.)

The truth is hidden, but not only by lies. It’s also buried by our constant need to feel “right” all the time, and by the urge to control others. Actual truth lies within the rubble, buried by overly-bearing opinions, fear, and closed egotistical minds.

You don’t have to give up one voice for another. You can listen to other outlooks and to yourself. In fact, it might be more effective that way. It could reveal more actual truth to you.