perception is everything

but is it always right?

How do you perceive me from these entries? How do you perceive these entries? You better think we're out of this fucking world. Just kidding (no, I'm not). I assume everybody feels differently. And while I would love to think you all fuck with them (and me), I know that that is simply not how these things work.

Perception is defined as, the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses; or, a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something (a mental impression). Every living being on this floating-rock-in-space have our own perceptions (yes, even animals you dipshit). As humans, we have our own individual perceptions of everything from self, to others and even things. No two will ever be the exact same without someone lying. And that's both the beauty and horror of it all.

where do we start?

For shits and giggles, let's start with self. You are going to project your perception of self outwardly, one way or another. It could be something as minuscule as silent behaviors to something a little louder such as your style, or aesthetic. If you have a negative perception of self, it is going to manifest as something bigger. You may be less likely to believe in yourself or take some of the more rewarding risks in life, as you don't deem yourself worthy. If you have an inflated perception of self, you run the risk of being a fucking arrogant asshole (hey, don't shoot the messenger). If you are on solid ground with you, it is going to show and you are going to feel it.

Nobody can tell you how to see you but you. No matter how much those around you may want to, it is up to you to hold up that mirror and tell you who (and what) you see looking back. Just remember a couple of things. First, when you are creating this view of self, do not forget to be reflective but honest (and obviously not to cruel to self). But also, please remember that your perception of self molds your reality. What you believe you are, you will be. What you put out, you will get back.

What are your favorite qualities and traits that you hold? What do you wish you could change? Is it changeable? If not, how can you adjust your lenses and use this as a tool instead of an obstacle? What would you never ever change? Don't cheat yourself, re-examine and readjust. Hone in on your strengths. Fight through your "weaknesses". Change the way you perceive your less favorable qualities and you'll change the way you perceive yourself.

okay keep going...

Let's keep it rolling then. Put your fucking thinking caps on because we're going to be dissecting how others see you. Did you know that others perception of you can have very little to nothing to do with you? The funny thing about it is, oftentimes, perception is projection. It is a projection of the thoughts and feelings the other person has drawn up about you. It is solely based on that individual's processing power and (I hate to say it, but) the cute, or not so cute fantasies they've created in their heads. How many strangers have caught you on a bad day and probably think you're an evil bitch ( or for my gents, a dick)? What about the opposite? How many people have flirted with you solely off your looks and didn't know that you were really talented or resourceful?

Look, all perceptions are not going to be deep. Hell, most of the people we're surrounded by aren't deep themselves. This is where that processing power I mentioned earlier comes into play. If someone isn't a very deep thinker, they are not going to build a very complex perception of you, or anything for. that matter. It is going to be very surface level and quite frankly, you could get a better read from a kindergartner. (Shameless insert: this is one of the main reasons the perception of you that others carry with them shouldn't mean a damn thing to you.) Some people are even going to see your potential, kindness, purity and selfness and still campaign against you. They don't belong in your orbit. These may, or may not, be the same individuals who have to deal with that self-deprecation beating their ass on the regular. And do we really want to borrow the glasses from them? Personally, I'd rather remain blind.

Some people are going to see right-the-fuck through you. Assholes, douche bags, and narcissists, this one's for you. There are people who are going to read right through your masks and charades. They are going to put you under a spotlight and watch you perform, catching the errors and flaws in your routine while the rest of the sheep gawk in awe at your "magnificence". You can't fool everybody. It might be in your best interest to stick to the not-so-deep crowd, as it'll be a-hell-of-a-lot easier to manipulate them and you won't even have to worry about covering your tracks.

what about the ones with good perceptions?

Ah, my favorite kind of people. Such a clean breath of air. These are the people that make you wish you could walk the sceneries of their minds, just to see everything the way they do. They have an amazing light to them, and they bring that same light to everything that they take the time to perceive. You can count on them to see you in a way you can't even see yourself.

They see the things you consider flaws as quirks. Just cute little hiccups that make you who you are. Your insecurities are not points of judgment to them, they're reasons to love you a little bit more. They never get tired of learning about you and delving a little deeper to make their view of you just that much sharper and accurate. These individuals are lovers...and believers. They must be protected at all costs.

what about our perceptions of others?

Even with the entire breakdown that I just spent hours curating for you, you still can't form a single fucking cohesive thought, can you? Okay, one more time, from the top.

How you perceive everything around you, (the world, other people and inanimate objects) starts with your view of you. If you are a Negative Nancy, you are going to draw in negative forces into your realm of negativity and perceive it as good because you are attracting what you believe. If you are the opposite ,you will attract the. opposite, while actively practicing your powers of discernment to help you perceive bad and dangerous energies.

Look inward and then outward. Do some fact checking and some soul searching every once in a while. It's not going to kill you.

I'd love to keep holding your hand and drawing you step-by-step diagrams, but I'm not, so......

talk soon.

and for the love of all things holy,