My version of Reality

The incident I recount to you is Version 2 of reality, a truth that is as relative as it is subjective.

Version 1 is what happened. But in the hands of each individual, it transforms into a unique narrative, a personal version of reality, a story that is theirs and theirs alone.

Each person present at the incident will narrate a slightly different version of the same event, shaped by their emotions and memories.

MODUS OPERANDI

A lady I know and whom I see as a narcissist (in my opinion) often pauses after hearing something and then retells the story. She has inserted her favourite people or herself in the story, whereas they may have been silent or absent in the actual scenario. The most familiar version is “I told XYZ to do this,” to take credit, whereas XYZ may have acted of their own accord.

Then, as Jim quotes many leaders, a lie repeated 100 times becomes the truth.

CHALLENGES

The real challenge lies in peeling away the layers of narratives to uncover the truth, even in the stories we tell ourselves. While empathy is crucial for building connections, everything else demands rigorous research and analysis.

AMBITION AND ACTION

On the positive side, let me quote Charles Bukowski

“I was waiting for something extraordinary to happen, but as the years wasted on, nothing ever did unless I caused it.”

Source: Post Office (1971)

It is about turning destiny on its head but conveys an essential message about visualisation and actualization.

Reality is what happened, but also what someone dreamed about and planned.

NARRATIVES AND MAKE-BELIEVE

Conflict arises when two versions of reality clash, and the one that creates more believers wins the battle. It is more about narratives than the truth.

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Friday Faithfuls