Do we think about how we see the world? 

Each of us has a unique lens, shaped by the things we have been through. This lens is built from our assumptions, expectations, and opinions. It is how we understand and react to everything around us. But here is the question: do we ever wonder where these ideas come from? And more importantly, are they our own?

Let us think about it for a second. The world we live in shapes us in many ways. 

The culture we grow up in teaches us what to believe and value. Our education, whether in school or through the lessons we pick up throughout life, helps us see and understand the world differently. Then there are our habits, the routines and patterns we fall into without thinking. They shape how we act and respond to things. Finally, we create our own expectations, the stories we tell ourselves about how life “should” work.

These four things—culture, education, habits, and expectations—shape how we see our reality. They influence how we make sense of things, predict what could happen, and judge situations. When things go the way we expect, we feel happy or satisfied. But when life takes a different turn, it can make us upset, frustrated, or even angry.

But here is something to consider: are we all seeing things the same way? Do we all agree on what defines an assumption, expectation, or opinion? Chances are, not at all. Everyone brings their own unique mix of experiences and ideas to the table, shaping the lens through which they see the world.

Let us break down each term:

• Assumptions: We believe these are true without even realizing it. They come from our past experiences or the culture we are part of. For example, someone from a culture that values being on time might assume that showing up late is rude, while someone from a laid-back culture might not see it as a big deal.
• Expectations: These are what we think will happen in the future. They usually come from what we believe (our assumptions) or what we have been through before. For instance, if you believe hard work always pays off, you might expect to get rewarded, like a promotion or good grades, after putting in much effort.
• Opinions: These are our thoughts or beliefs about something. Our assumptions, expectations, and personal values influence them. For example, if you care a lot about saving the environment, you might feel strongly against using single-use plastic.

Whose assumptions, expectations, and opinions are we listening to? Are they ours, shaped by our thoughts and experiences, or are they ideas we have absorbed from our family, society, or even the latest trends? This is an important question to ask ourselves.

Think about this. Imagine someone who grew up in a family of doctors. They might assume that becoming a doctor is the best and most respectable career choice. They might expect that following this path will make them successful and happy. At the same time, they might judge other career options as less important or not as valuable. But are these ideas something they honestly believe, or are they inherited from their upbringing?

Here is another example. Picture someone who was always praised for being artistic as a kid. Over time, they might expect themselves always to be creative and produce amazing work. But what happens when they hit a creative block or face criticism? They might feel like they are failing or not good enough. This shows how even positive expectations can create pressure and lead to stress if they start to define how we see ourselves.

The point is that questioning where these thoughts and beliefs come from can help us figure out what truly matters to us and what is worth holding onto. After all, understanding ourselves begins with asking the right questions.

How can we manage the emotions that come from our assumptions, expectations, and opinions? The first step is to become aware of them. Pay attention to the way we think and ask ourselves a few key questions:

• What am I assuming about this situation?
• What do I expect to happen here?
• What is my opinion, and where did it come from?

When we stop and reflect, we can determine which thoughts are helpful and which might hold us back.

Opinions are often the easiest to change. When we learn something new or have a fresh experience, it can shift the way we judge or see things. Changing an opinion can then influence our assumptions and expectations; over time, it can even challenge the assumptions we did not realize we had.

It is important to remember that none of these assumptions, expectations, or opinions are set in stone. They are always changing and hopefully improving as we grow and experience life. By thinking about them, we can better understand ourselves, communicate more clearly with others, and approach life with more confidence and purpose.

The more we question these ideas, the easier it becomes to tell the difference between what others expect of us and what truly feels right to ourselves. This helps us ensure our beliefs and feelings are our own, not borrowed from someone else. That is the first step toward living a life that is truly ours.

True Unity starts with understanding, not just of others but of ourselves. Let us take a moment to reflect on the assumptions, expectations, and opinions that shape how we see the world. Ask ourselves if they are truly ours or if others have influenced them. By questioning these ideas and striving to understand their origins, we take a powerful step toward self-awareness and building bridges with others. 

When we challenge old ways of thinking and open ourselves to empathy, we can break down the barriers of anger, hate, and prejudice. Unity promotes us to create stronger relationships, better businesses, and a brighter, more compassionate world. The change starts with us. Be the voice that chooses understanding and connection over division, and watch how your actions inspire others to do the same. 

Together, we can make a difference. Achieving Unity through a shared lens of greatness.

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