Unintentional Lies: There's More To Life Than What We've Been Told | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Unintentional Lies: There's More To Life Than What We've Been Told

There’s more to life than what we've been told.

149
Unintentional Lies: There's More To Life Than What We've Been Told

If you’ve ever been around a toddler you’ve probably been asked the infamous question “why?” at least a bazillion times.

Regardless of the response they receive they’ll continue to ask this question until they’re satisfied -- this may take a while. Nevertheless, our curious children may be onto something. The never ending questions may stem from the notion that everything isn’t as it seems.

Sometimes I imagine that we humans have been living in this world with a blindfold on. From the moment we enter this world we’re told by various social institutions how we should or should not live, why one thing is considered bad while the other good, and if we don’t obey then we are labeled as rebels; deviant from their standards of life. Yet, I can’t help but to disagree. There’s more to life than the small bubbles we occupy and until we remove the blindfolds we will never be able to unmask the truths of this world.

What are the truths? Well, it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask me I’d tell you that the hidden truths of this world lie in an individual’s search for happiness. However, I’d then follow by saying happiness lies in the discovery of one’s authentic self or possibly the rediscovery. Allow me to explain.

I believe that when we are born we are 100 percent our authentic selves, untouched from human imposed beliefs. The only thing we know as newborns is love because we can feel and respond to it even while in our mother’s womb. Yet it is the minute our cognitive development really kicks in that we absorb the ideas, morals, and beliefs imposed on us by our social institutions. During this time we are wearing the invisible blindfold. The only truths we know are the ones being imposed on us. They are not yet our own. Hence why toddlers are constantly asking why? They want to understand why things have to be this way and not that way.

This has led me to the idea that what we’ve learned as children has become the foundation to which we base our lives off of. I would hope, but cannot assume, that many of us continue to ask questions as we grow older because I believe it is a crucial step in being able to define who we are. At some point we must take everything we’ve learned and question whether or not we agree with it. We must remove the invisible blindfold. By doing this we allow ourselves to separate from the things we do not wish to be associated with. We get step closer to rediscovering the authentic self, the person we were before society imposed its beliefs on us.

In finding our authentic selves we are closer to finding happiness. I believe the moment we find happiness is the moment when we realize that our truths are only true to us. What is true for me may not be true for my neighbor. The goal is not to impose our beliefs on others but to respect that everyone sees and defines life differently. We cannot live for others nor can we asks others to live for us. The goal is to live comfortably and happily in our own skin and accept that everyone else is trying to do the same. That’s the truth hidden behind the unintentional lies.

Good vibes & happy lives,

RaeSmiles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24232
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10133
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7404
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments