So many of us struggle to please others and conform to the expectations of others. We measure our beauty and worth based on arbitrary standards rather than shine in our authentic selves. When we begin to live authentically, we inspire others who didn’t have the courage to live the same.

How we see the world is often a projection of our own minds. It’s easy to point out the speck in the eyes of others yet refuse to acknowledge the plank in our own eyes. We want to rid the world of conflict, but it starts with our own minds. Rather than project our guilt unto others, we should look to see where we need to work within.

We all have them—the many voices that tell us we can’t or shouldn’t. Many times they’re deep-seated memories that want to color or suppress the present moment or situation. Also within us is a voice that says we can and we should. Let’s look to them when the inner critic demands to be heard.

Just because someone is experienced at meditation doesn’t mean it’s easy. We still struggle during tough moments in our life. When we get stuck on the hamster wheel of ruminating thoughts, oftentimes the present moment offers us a moment of repose.

We easily judge others for behaving irrationally, but we often don’t see the many moments where we do the same. Our emotions and circumstances will often influence how we behave at any given moment. Therefore, it’s up to us to remain aware at every given moment, particularly when we make important decisions for ourselves and others.

Sometimes our frustration comes when we compare our lives to others. Instead, we should aim to carve a unique path, led by what awakens our freedom the most. Rather than work towards a goal, live in the path.

At the end of the term, many students recognize that they aren’t doing as well as they thought. Throughout the semester, they were unconscious how their decisions affected their progress and learning. Therefore, they were surprised at the outcome. This can happen in our own lives when we live in habits and routines. If we reflect on the choices we make each day, we might obtain different results in the future.

Too many marketers are getting involved in “selling” one type of meditation technique as “the only” way or the “proven” way. Please. Just as there are different foods to nourish us, there are many meditation practices to steady our minds. Pick one that suits you, but also know that others will suit you at other times in your life.

Before Napoleon Hill, there was James Allen’s “As A Man Thinketh.” Much of our words and behaviors are results of our thoughts. Allen tells us how important it is to meditate on benevolent, kind thoughts so that our words and actions bring about benevolence.

So many marketers and influencers want to sell us “one pill” or “the only method proven” to lose weight, make us happy, heal our relationships. Because several behaviors and experiences resulted in your suffering, several methods—and time—will turn things around. There are no quick, easy fixes. Change is hard, but well worth it. And by the way, be sure to get your vaccine!