Mirrors of the Mind
Projection vs. Perception
Projection is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously attributes their own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or traits to someone else to avoid confronting them within themselves.
This is when we push our own hidden feelings onto someone else.
Perception is the psychological process of forming impressions and making judgments about others' qualities, intentions, and behaviors.
This is the lens we see others through.
Projection can distort perception. One cannot see another clearly if they are reflecting themselves through another.
Releasing the Weight of Others
Let go.
Let go of people’s perception of you.
Let go of their projections they are projecting onto you of themselves.
There once was a time where all I would seek was outside validation from everyone, anyone really.
Now, this couldn’t be further from the truth… my truth.
I am here to live my life. Authentically and unapologetically.
We all are, really. However, we get stuck in people’s construed perceptions of us. I am here to tell you the way a person perceives you, shouldn’t affect you. No one can tell you who you are but you. You are the only person that has lived your life and gone through what you have gone through, whatever that may be. Everyone has their story, their own trials and tribulations. That’s what makes you, YOU <3 .
Do you think the person that is perceiving you has the authority to tell you who you are? They don’t. So, why are you giving it to them?
When I Lived for Their Eyes
I’ve mentioned before how I was a people pleaser. I wanted to be liked by everyone. I would get so anxious after meeting someone for the first time and feel the energy was off and I would overthink every little thing I said or did, questioning what it was that I did that made me not resonate with them.
Newsflash: You can’t be liked by everyone… and you aren’t meant to be. THAT’S OKAY! You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people like coffee, matcha, tequila, vodka, you name it, there’s someone out there that matches your vibe. However, when you act and operate authentically, from your heart, your soul’s truth; You are bound to find the right people that love your cup of tea.
Choosing My Own Reflection
I don’t even care to be liked by anyone at this point, not like that, but yes like that. This is because I’m finally at a point where I love my damn self! I don’t need to look for the validation coming from others when I provide it for myself.
However, how could someone not like me?! I am literally a ray of sunshine and just want to LOVE. LMAO. I wasn’t always like this though. If one doesn’t think so, that’s just them projecting onto me how they feel about themselves. They can’t imagine a reality in which they can be open, free, and loving with no ulterior motive. Just cause that’s their current reality doesn’t mean it’s mine. Those are their own limiting beliefs and self-limitations holding them back.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
This is a touchy subject and some aren’t going to be as receptive to this message but it’s what I do. Bring light to a topic I once hid in the shadows with and suffered from. Not to say I’m perfect because I’m far from it. I can still catch myself perceiving or projecting, however, that’s the difference between operating from your shadow vs. your light. You have to be conscious of these things to be able to catch it and shed light on the situation, see how you can grow from it vs. let it linger in the shadows and continue to operate from that dark place.
I know I have a tendency to either inspire or trigger. If it ain’t the former, it’s the latter.
It once was a hard truth for me to accept, but it no longer is.
Because I let go. Maybe this is your sign to do the same.
A Question for Your Becoming
We will never be completely healed and that’s the beauty of life. Healing is an infinite journey. By God’s grace, we are granted a new day, every day.
My question for you is…
Which end of the stick are you choosing to operate from today?
The shadow, where you continue to unconsciously project your fears and insecurities onto others. Where you perceive others through the filter of your own experiences and second-hand information.
Or the light, where you become conscious of these parts, face them, and move forward from a place of awareness rather than judgment.
The choice is yours. Which will it be?
✧ From my <3 to yours,
Chérie