I have noticed something that I just keep getting clearer and clearer about it. Every time I get down or go into a depression, it is almost always because I am viewing my life from someone else’s view of me.
To say it another way, I love my little life. I live in a funky environment that is rare and doesn’t necessarily FIT into what society views as normal. I absolutely devour my nights at home and LOVE my living situation.
Yet, there are times that I find myself depressed. Lately I’ve been able to pinpoint why–it’s because I’m viewing my life from THEIR view of me.
People say things to me that are so inappropriate and with such pity aimed at me. Please don’t pity me just because I’m not living the life that you would live! I am me and you are you–please consider that when you judge!
When I view my life from within, I am blissful and happy.
When I look through THEIR eyes, I become that poor pitiful person they see me as.
Really, I ask you, why does it have to look a certain way? Why do our lives have to conform to everybody else’s way of living or society’s view of what a successful existence is? It doesn’t, and the clearer I get about this, the more I thrive in my own reality.
“The older you get, the more you understand how your conscience works. The biggest and only critic lives in your perception of people’s perception of you rather than people’s perception of you.”
― Criss Jami
Brilliant!
So, when it all comes down to it, I AM in charge of my thoughts and feelings. When I feel what people are perceiving my life to be, I don’t have to allow those perceptions to permeate my being.
Our lives are our own and when we embrace them with a sense of wholeness, we thrive.
As Emerson said, “Envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide.” God I love that.
So, this I say to myself and to you if you care to receive it: our lives are our own and we get to decide what we value and what feels good–nobody else. I suppose it is easier said than done but with some introspection and breath work within, we can come to the place where it really is okay REGARDLESS of what THEY think!
Hiking Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Monica Mountains 
Tara, So often I think about you and how you are living in a place you’ve always wanted to live in and it’s simply awesome. You truly are Nature Girl Tara! I’m at work on lunch break, in the basement, with no windows so seeing your article with pictures of the California beauty that surrounds you….it’s a treat for my eyes. Thank you for you living your life the way you choose to.
Thank you for your kind words Kathy. I miss you!
I love, love, love the way you express yourself in through your wtiting Tara! You pinpoint the words perfectly and I understand and connect to them in the same way you do. You speak (and write) the truth as I believe…..and my heart is full 😀💝 Thank you for sharing so eloquently the words and feelings that I struggle to express outloud!!
And thank YOU for taking the time to read my words. I love and appreciate you more than you know!
Hello Tara, This is the 1st time seeing your website/blog. Beautifully done! Keep it up. Where was the cave shot taken?
Neighbor in Calabasas, Ron
High above your neighborhood on the back bone trail off of Corral Canyon–it is supposedly the cave where Jim Morrison tripped on Acid!