Recently, before I moved I tried to reach out to a few people from my past to try and apologize for differences we had. Some reacted very well, others told me to get lost and others just ignored me. Even though I did not feel wrong in some of the situations I tried my best to apologize, because I was hurt over losing what I considered important friendships and relationships. I thought I may never see some of these people ever again. I even lost some side friends that became casualties due to the fact that they work with or associate with the original person I had parted with. I have to tell you what hurt the most were those that did not accept my sincere efforts to make amends. After much thought I realized that I made an honest attempt and that is all I could do. For whatever reason the thought of not being liked, especially be some people I admired really stung.
Some of the friendships I lost were due to not being true to myself. Even though it is tempting to try and act different to try and fit in, in the end it just does not pay off. Either your true traits are gong to show sooner or later or you are going to end up a miserable person acting like something/someone you are not.
Think really hard about your daily routine. Do you act different around different people? Do you hold back some of your thoughts when talking to someone who has different beliefs than yourself? Do you act different on your first date with someone than you do after you have known them for a while? If you are honest then I think most of us can say we do.
Now I know being agreeable with others does not mean you are not happy with yourself. What I do know is that putting up a false front can turn you into a fake miserable person.
The saddest thing I can say about these situations is the damage is does to people. I know many that are successful and that appear to be on top of the world and who are miserable. Likewise I know honest and good people that get screwed over all the time...because they are so nice people walk all over them.
It can be very frustrating. Many of us often ask where is the justice in the world? I can tell you from personal experience that influential people can make you out into someone you are not.
Once again the best advice is to just try and be true to who you are. As touched upon in the last blog...I really do believe this world is only part of the journey. I wholeheartedly believe that being true to yourself, working hard and doing the right thing pays off in the end.
Truthfully - Ty
