The truth of our own making

Freedom is neither an illusion nor a delusion.

It is a choice—independent of any influence or external force. Yet, every choice carries consequences, whether beneficial or harmful, in both the short and long term.

At its core, freedom is the ability to choose, based on the belief that truth is, in essence, of our own making.

External forces—governments, corporations, and other authorities—capitalize on this belief. They control our perception of truth, shaping our decision-making. But ultimately, we are our own greatest enemy—the most loyal wardens of our own prison.

A prison built from identity, social status, boundaries, differences, and countless other constraints.

And the bitter truth is that there are many things we do not need—we want them simply because someone else wants them. This wanting creates an opportunity for exploitation. Our mind space is occupied by thoughts that are not our own, desires that are not our own—tempting lies that carve out a sense of inadequacy that, in reality, should never have existed.

We come to believe we are less than we are and that we will never be more—self-crippled by our own imperfections. We are touched by a sense of lack, whose sole purpose is control. Well, sort of. But it is also us who have the power to awaken—to see through the garbage fed to us every day through our devices, the propaganda that, over time, begins to feel stale. It is up to us to decide what we allow ourselves to see and believe. Difficult? Yes. But possible.

And so, perhaps we need to doubt our own judgments—especially when faced with the flashy marketing of those who judge us just as we judge them. The best decisions are not always made by someone supposedly greater than ourselves. The truth is, no one can ever know us better than we know ourselves. And in the end, all decisions are based on a simple truth: give and take—the universal principle of exchange.

"We may bury ourselves in ignorance or rise to the apex of consciousness. The reality remains: we hold the power to be more, to be less, or simply to be ordinary—the choice is ours to make."

We are the power

To decide for ourselves—what is best as individuals, as a community, and as a country—that is true freedom.

The truth of our own making is what guides us. Between the lines, between beauty and ugliness, we have the power to elevate those who truly deserve to be heard, to advocate for truth, and to remain free.

Offending others will be inevitable, but through dialogue, we can agree to disagree and ultimately pursue our separate destinies.

Lies—sweet lies—are like cheap candies that make you sick. But truth is the bitter herb that heals broken hearts, drugged minds, and weary bodies. Dulled eyes are revitalized by the truth, which transcends the finite century within which we navigate our lives. The different faces of truth bring a wholesome sense of conviction to each step we take as we journey along our chosen path—the path less traveled, yet more fulfilling.

It is the subjective path of truth, where every wrong is a nudge toward the right, every hurt is the justification for hard-won happiness, and every comfort is a precious balm to the thirsty spirit. So endure—be patient enough to embrace the truth, knowing that one day, it will lose its importance and fade away with the impermanence of the mind and body that hold our memories.

Nothing lasts forever—not even the truths of our own making, the legacies of mortals. So hold them dear, and live by the truth that resonates most deeply within you. No matter how imperfect or naïve it may seem, it is worth its weight in gold.

(image from Pinterest and grammar credited to ChatGpt)