Shifting Consciousness.
Sometimes, it feels like the people around us have changed overnight. A friend who once seemed trustworthy becomes distant or unreliable.
Sometimes, it feels like the people around us have changed overnight. A friend who once seemed trustworthy becomes distant or unreliable. A loved one who appeared caring and kind suddenly reveals a different side. When this happens, it’s easy to believe they’ve undergone some transformation - that they’ve somehow become someone new. But in truth, the reality is often simpler, yet more profound: they didn’t change. You’re just now seeing who they really are.
This realisation can be both unsettling and liberating. It’s unsettling because it shatters the illusion we’ve held about them, forcing us to confront the gap between our perception and their true nature. But it’s also liberating because it frees us from false expectations, allowing us to see things clearly and make decisions that are aligned with reality. Here’s how this shift in understanding can deeply impact your relationships and your life:
1. Illusions and Reality When you first meet someone, you often see them through a lens of optimism, hope, or even necessity. You might project qualities onto them based on your desires or needs. As time goes on, however, the truth has a way of revealing itself. The person might not have changed at all; rather, the layers of your perception have peeled away, exposing their real character.
2. Self-Awareness and Growth Recognising that someone hasn’t changed, but that you are simply seeing them more clearly, can be a powerful moment of growth. It’s a sign that your awareness is deepening, that you’re becoming more attuned to the nuances of human behaviour. This kind of clarity is a form of empowerment, helping you to navigate relationships with a better understanding of who people really are, not just who you want them to be.
3. Acceptance and Boundaries With this understanding comes the necessity to accept people as they are, not as you wish they were. It doesn’t mean you have to keep everyone in your life. On the contrary, it allows you to set boundaries where necessary, to protect your own well-being, and to engage with others from a place of truth rather than illusion. Acceptance doesn’t mean tolerating harmful behaviour; it means acknowledging the reality of who someone is and deciding how, or if, they fit into your life.
4. Lessons in Disguise These experiences, though difficult, often come with valuable lessons. They teach you about the importance of discernment and the need to trust your instincts. They remind you that not everyone who enters your life is meant to stay and that some people serve as mirrors, reflecting parts of yourself or lessons you need to learn. These lessons, though sometimes painful, are necessary steps on your journey of self-discovery and personal evolution.
5. Letting Go When you realise someone hasn’t changed but that you’re just seeing them for who they truly are, it can be a signal that it’s time to let go. Letting go doesn’t mean you’re giving up on someone; it means you choosing to honour your own truth and path. It’s an act of self-respect and self-care. By releasing those who no longer serve your journey, you create space for more authentic connections to enter your life.
6. Healing and Forgiveness This kind of realisation can also be a catalyst for healing. It’s natural to feel hurt or betrayed when someone’s true nature is revealed. But healing comes when you accept what is, forgive yourself for any misplaced trust, and move forward with greater wisdom. Forgiveness doesn’t have to be for the other person’s benefit, it’s for yours. It allows you to release the hold that the situation has on your heart and mind, and to continue on your path, unburdened.
7. Moving Forward Armed with this new clarity, you can move forward with a deeper understanding of yourself and others. You become more adept at recognising red flags early on and more skilled at distinguishing between superficial charm and genuine character. This awareness helps you to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships based on mutual respect and authenticity. In the end, when you encounter this kind of revelation about someone in your life, remember that it’s a natural part of the human experience. It’s not a reflection of your judgment or worth, it’s simply a part of life’s ongoing process of learning and growth.
Embrace the truth for what it is, allow it to guide you toward greater wisdom, and trust that with each revelation, you are becoming more aligned with your true self and your true path. Some people didn’t change; they simply revealed themselves to you. And that’s okay. Now, with eyes wide open, you can continue your journey with a heart that is wiser, stronger, and more prepared for the authentic connections that await you.
To summarise - "People are like onions: they have layers. And sometimes those layers are a whole lot stinkier than you bargained for. So the next time someone surprises you with their true self. Remember: it's not them who changed; it's you who got a better look at the onion. And with that newfound clarity, you can decide if you want to keep peeling or, just order a pizza."
