01/17/2026
This is very accurate. It all depends on what ultimately drives you. If you begin something with a genuine selflove, the process won't be picture perfect but it never ceases. If, however, you start something seeking outer validation, out of a deep sense of self-loathing, feeling like something is always wrong with you and needs fixing, more than likely you won't stick with it. Some will, if it provides them with a persona they choose to hide behind, but it's mainly the persona that interests them. The person who really sticks with something does it when no one is watching. Does it when it's tough. Does it even after making mistakes. Doesn't jump at any excuse to stop. Doesn't care what anyone has to say about it. The person who loves themselves, truly, isn't seeking to be viewed certain way. It's a personal journey that no one can give them or take away from them.
In the wellness world, you'll meet many people who follow trends and are easily swayed. Then you'll find the self-improvement people, focused on building a persona. And they'll hold definite opinions, share studies,and try to convince you because they need you to agree. Look for the people who aren't afraid to question, are curious, are not trying to convince you, and do not need you to view them a certain way. What they share, they share without expectations. They'll encourage you to investigate, to think for yourself.
When it comes to wellness, I like to think of the quote by St. Augustine: Truth is like a lion. It doesn't need to be defended. And, in Buddhism, there's a saying that two things cannot be hidden for long: light of the moon and the truth. And Richard Feynman's quote that goes something like this: you are the easiest person to fool.
If you're not ready to be fully present, to be aware, to take an honest look, to examine all concepts, you'll fall into the followers of trends or the persona-builders. But, if you decide to choose genuine love, which requires presence, awareness, and not grabbing at distractions and escapes, it won't be a walk in the park, but it is worth it. No one can do it for you, but, by the same token, no one can take it from you, either.
So, do you choose to follow trends? Swayed by the next news story? Swayed by what you grew up believing?
Do you choose to follow personas? Adopt whatever they say or do? Look for experts to give you the answers?
Or, do you start thinking for yourself? Question, question, question. Examine. Investigate. Come into presence. Come into awareness. Explore inwardly.
