We Don’t See the World As It Is — We See It As We Are

Every single one of us carries a lens shaped by our lived experiences—our upbringing, culture, relationships, wounds, and joys. That lens influences how we interpret situations, how we communicate, and how we respond in moments of conflict.

It’s easy to assume that what we see and feel is the truth—but in reality, it’s our truth, shaped by our story. And someone else, with a completely different set of life experiences, might see the exact same moment very differently.

This is why it's so crucial to remember: we see the world through our experiences—and that makes it essential to flex our brain muscle to see the other side.

In conflict, instead of focusing on being right, can we slow down and get curious? Can we ask:

• What else could be going on here?

• What might this person be protecting?

• What part of my own story is being activated right now?

Perspective-taking isn’t always easy—but it’s powerful. It softens defensiveness, builds empathy, and opens the door to real connection.

The more we practice seeing beyond our own lens, the better we get at communicating with care and resolving conflict with compassion.