Truth refers to what is by fact or reality, while perception is how something is understood or interpreted.
Truth is objective and based on facts, while perception is subjective and influenced by personal experiences, biases, and interpretations.
To tell the difference between truth and personal interpretations, consider the meanings and stories that get attached to events or topics. In order to do this you will need to be willing to challenge your perceptions and the perceptions of others by asking clarifying questions.
When I was just a young woman, the thought came to me, “What you dwell on, you believe in.”
DECADES later … I’m still noticing how much I need to continue learning how to renew my mind and hold negative thoughts captive while casting down vain imaginations.
It’s work! BUT … it’s so worth it.
Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I know how to be THIS … when THAT is the only thing I’ve ever known?” and then immediately been concerned that perhaps faith is being lost, or distrust has reared its ugly head? What if that thought alone is only a perception developed out of being gaslit, and is an intelligent and wise question to ask?
A great and impactful journey presented itself to me when I finally decided to ask God to show me what “THIS” is supposed to look like, while I walked away from “THAT”. A great way to do this is by looking at the fruit of whatever it is that was challenging me. Asking myself questions such as:
- What’s my payoff for allowing this to continue?
- Is there life here? Or is this something that is bringing death?
- Is this burdensome, confusing, and oppressive?
- Does this encourage and motivate me to change and grow?
Life is so much easier and the burdens are lighter – and doable (not done away with) but HOW I PERCEIVE THEM has changed, and how I respond to things has changed.
Because I cannot renew my mind on my own (With what? Old toxic beliefs or abuse that I was raised with)
There is great wisdom when seeking information from those who have gone before us. Whether through books, or videos, seeking therapists or mentors, we are rewarded with answers we never knew we needed.
After decades of seeking answers, doing research, and asking beneficial questions, I’ve learned that much of what I thought was truth – was only a perception.
Every day and every thought brings a new opportunity to observe our perception in that moment. What is not noticed is not addressed.
When we are encountering difficult emotions and expressing them in unfortunate ways, it is a good idea to stop the perception that you are weak, worthless, or inept, (death) and instead change the perception to an observation. “I am feeling a pain from the past unexpectedly, and am in the process of healing.” (life)
We must pause in this way to review our perceptions when we are observing someone else “acting out” or experiencing a bad day. It may not be that they are crazy, angry, ugly, or difficult which are all assumptions and perceptions; but only that they are acting out. (this is fact) They are yelling, they are crying, or they are expressing an emotion. By not applying our perceptions to their behavior or our own, we can instead, ask clarifying questions such as, “how can I help?”
This is where “work” may present itself. If the person says something that is directed at you, about you, or something that offends you, you must remain in a state of noticing your perceptions. Many wars are fought over perceptions, assumptions, and judgments rather than facts or truth.
We only know what we were raised with. As adults, we get to change those things and make new choices – and if we struggle to do that – we get to find out why, and get help.
You are becoming all that God intends you to be. the biggest job is sorting out the toxic thoughts that keep you from believing how amazing a person you are and how priceless your gift is to your daughters and to all those who cross your path.
These are perceptions and not truth. It’s important to know the difference and never forget. A perception is an observation only. There’s always more to the picture … isn’t there?
Never give up … it’s worth the effort. Love you.