February 7, 2024

GOOD MORNING, HAPPY HUMP DAY AND HAPPY FEBRUARY MY FRIENDS! 🐪♥️🐫 I hope this month is off to a great start for you! Let’s jump right into the quote:

“We have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are truth. We could swear they are real. We make assumptions about what others are doing or thinking - we take it personally - then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word. That is why whenever we make assumptions, we’re asking for problems. We make an assumption, we misunderstand, we take it personally, and we end up creating a whole big drama for nothing.” - Don Miguel Ruiz ✨

This came from a book that I read at the end of last year titled “The Four Agreements” and the Third Agreement is: Do not make assumptions. This is the agreement I continuously recite back to myself each and every day.

Let’s think about it for a second… How many times a day do we make assumptions? How many times have you assumed the tone in a text, slack, email? How many times a day do we make up stories in our head about what is going to happen or why something happened? How many times have you assumed someone has the perfect life because of what you see on social media? Now, let’s think about how many times these stories, thoughts, and assumptions have been false? How many times has this way of thinking led us down a path of overthinking, overanalyzing, and anxiety? I can only speak for myself and that answer is more often than not.

We, as humans, often find ourselves navigating through a world of uncertainty. When faced with the unknown, our minds have a tendency to fill in the gaps with assumptions. It is a natural inclination, rooted in our desire for understanding and meaning. Instead of seeking clarity through inquiry, we often default to weaving intricate tales in our minds and in the absence of concrete information, we rely on our imaginations to construct plausible scenarios. This creative faculty, while a formidable tool for innovation and storytelling, can also lead us down the treacherous path of unfounded conjecture. It can lead us astray, foster misunderstandings and create false narratives & rumors.

Let’s be honest here, it’s nearly impossible to never make an assumption ever again especially cold turkey. However, we can strive to approach unfamiliar territory with a different outlook and start to create new patterns… it’s going to take some discipline though. I like to look at it as forever in pursuit of understanding. Rather than succumbing to the seductive pull of speculation, we can strive to approach this unfamiliar territory with an inquisitive spirit. By embracing a mindset that values inquiry over assumption and asking for clarity when we need it, we open ourselves to the possibility of genuine understanding and meaningful connection. In a world full of unanswered questions, we can attempt to replace unfounded assumptions with the humility of curiosity. By doing so, we may uncover truths that eluded us amidst the labyrinth of our own imaginings. And this is what I mean by forever in pursuit of understanding 🙂

Trust your journey. Rest your soul. Always leave people better than you found them and have a glorious day and a magnificent weekend! 👽🫶🏻🧿