Read. Understand. Absorb. Repeat.

Our minds are filled with a cacophony of voices. Words, phrases, compliments, insults, internal conversations made up of everything we hear, read, think. When the noise is distilled and most voices are filtered out we’re left with the ones which have taken up permanent residence in our minds, hearts and souls.

These voices come from our parents, families, partners, friends, colleagues, those in authority, people and places we spend and have spent the most time around or in from childhood to now. These voices can be so intertwined with our inner dialogue few ever stop to question whether they are accurate.

The path to freedom and peace is marked by places of realization and acceptance. One of those markers on our journey is the wisdom in knowing that just because we think a thought doesn’t make it true. Having the courage to begin to question the voices that tell us who we are and who we should be leads to growth and authenticity.

Voices of shame, guilt, toxicity, hostility, overbearing and soul crushing words which make us feel less than, there’s something wrong with us, that we should be punished for being flawed and imperfect creatures don’t come from a source of light, goodness and love. They come from people and places which don’t want the best for us and instead demand we stay caged by hopelessness, fear and under the dark forces of their control.

Voices of acceptance, encouragement, worthiness and love bring growth and freedom. A balance of being challenged to genuinely be our best and not condemned for times we fall short are what we need in our innermost selves. We weren’t created to exist in a state of heaviness and worry. We can’t survive, much less thrive, when we’re always scared of messing up and falling short.

The trajectory of our lives, the path we travel is dictated by the voices we listen to and believe. Choose carefully. Live daringly. Love and be loved graciously.

Read. Understand. Absorb. Repeat.

-brian