https://open.spotify.com/episode/54uhVGt3wCJ80RBlj8jxAe?si=afloVJKgQXm7Rq6w5hf0Fwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/54uhVGt3wCJ80RBlj8jxAe?si=afloVJKgQXm7Rq6w5hf0Fw

We often believe happiness comes from people, events or things outside us. But the truth is, these experiences are neutral until we assign meaning to them. It's our mind that creates the story, someone cares for me is joy, someone ignored me is pain. The event itself has no built-in meaning, and then we ride the emotional highs and lows that follow. The paradox is we can never really know what another person is thinking or feeling, yet we create assumptions and as if they are true. This is how judgement, conflict and disappointment are born. But then if we take away this meaning-making would life feel empty? If there is no emotional rollercoaster- no big highs and lows-what remains? That question leads us to fulfillment. Fulfillment isn't about chasing happiness because happiness is temporary. One moment it's here, the next it fades. True peace is different- it's steady, internal and untouched by external chaos. When we realise that outside world has no real power over how we feel inside, the entire game changes. That doesnt mean life becomes dull. It means you stop giving power to things you can't control. You move through life calm, clear, and committed to your vision, without being shaken by outcomes. This inner calm is richer than happiness because happiness depends on conditions, while peace is unconditional.

Recently, I went through a difficult situation related to my past, and I realized that I was not choosing myself. It hit me like a stark truth staring me in the face: Why are you not choosing yourself? Why are you putting others first? And in that moment, I decided that in my life, whether anyone chooses me or not, I will always choose myself. No matter what. Even if others love me or not, choose me or not — it doesn’t matter. Because I will always choose me.🙌

Thanks to the host for accepting me into this small quiet group. I noticed if I'm in a group or physical environment that's too big with too many people whether like minded or not I become overwhelmed and swamped start comparing, wanting to be seen, interacted with or contribute something...and when there isn't much interaction or validation my way I go into freeze/flight. Yet when I'm just with myself those feelings aren't so intense although they can still come up they fade over time but it can also lead to numb feelings... 🖤 I would love to learn more presence and perhaps this place is great for that