Intention vs. Perception

Learning lessons is my favorite thing to do. Less because I had an aspiration to do so as a child, and more because I’m kind of a mess and you can’t have one without the other.

I’ve been lucky to be raised in the light of a matriarch who isn’t afraid to bring her own life learning’s to the table to ensure I don’t repeat her mistakes.

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite unique life lessons from the book of Mom incase they might be of help to anyone else:

1. Don’t become a groupie. Your brother will get Crabs and your mom will be pissed.

2. If dry sockets are your end goal, cocaine is a great first step.

3. Don’t drop acid before the Teddy Bear Picnic.

4. Playing with knives is the least likely way to lose a digit.

5. Cops don’t like to be noogied.

Great morals.

However the most important lesson I’ve learned (and have carried with me since) came in the form of a drive-by pep talk from one of the most influential leaders I’ve ever had.

“You are responsible for your intention, not your perception”.

The minute I got this in my mind, how I understood and responded to situations changed dramatically.

I’m pretty sure it even applies to the first, third, and fifth life lesson included above.

Got you, Mom.

In the battle between intention and perception we only have control over the former, and can in turn only take responsibility for 50% of the equation. In old people terms – It takes two to tango.

So stop blaming yourself for how other people choose to respond to you. *

*I feel compelled to add a caveat stating that this applies to most situations, but not all- if you’re the type of the person who thinks flashing strangers in the park is a public service, close this tab immediately.

The best we can do in this life is be true to ourselves even though we might run the risk of not being understood, accepted, or agreed with. Honestly, it’s more likely that we will be misunderstood, rejected, and disagreed with regardless, so we might as well do what takes the least effort and be ourselves so long as our actions aren’t at the expense of someone else.

Tell the truth, give the feedback, and drop the acid. If you’re well intended in your actions, that’s the absolute best thing that you can do for yourself and the people around you.

How other people feel about it is on them, not you.