Reality—what is—is always kinder than the stories we spin in our minds. (2 min 20 sec)

The harshest prison we live in is crafted by our own thoughts. Reality is direct and unembellished; it doesn’t torture us with “what ifs” or “should haves.” The mind, on the other hand, drags us through the mud of past regrets and future fears, distorting truth into a nightmare that never ends. Reality is brutal, yes, but it’s clear and merciful compared to the twisted tales we weave in our heads.

Reality doesn’t twist the knife or replay old wounds. It simply exists, clean and clear, waiting for us to drop the illusions we cling to. The stories we tell are just mental prisons we build brick by brick, locking ourselves away from the peace that’s already ours. Every fearful thought, every guilt-ridden tale, is just a desperate attempt to avoid facing the truth, but in that avoidance, we suffer. Reality cuts through the noise like a sword, ending the self-inflicted torment once and for all.

Relationships: You break up with someone, and your mind spirals into stories about how you were never good enough, how you’ll end up alone. But the reality is simple: the relationship ended. It’s clean, it’s over, and there’s freedom in accepting that. The mind turns it into a saga of self-doubt and despair.

Think about the last time you assumed someone was angry with you because they didn’t respond to your message. You spun a story about being rejected, unloved, or unworthy. But when you finally spoke to them, they were just busy, not even aware of your distress. The reality was simple, but your story created unnecessary pain.

Career Failure: You didn’t get the promotion, and your mind crafts a narrative that you’re a failure, that you’ll never succeed. But reality? You just didn’t get this one promotion. It’s a single event. The mind, however, traps you in a loop of hopelessness. The reality was constructive, but the story was destructive.

Health Scare: You get an unexpected health diagnosis, and your mind immediately envisions the worst — death, suffering, loss of everything you value. Reality is different. Maybe it’s just a condition to manage, something you can adapt to. The mind, though, turns it into a never-ending horror story.

Self-Worth: You look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re not good enough, not attractive enough, not smart enough. This story becomes a daily mantra, eroding your confidence. But reality doesn’t have such judgments. In the present moment, without the story, you’re simply you — perfectly complete as you are. The reality is neutral, but your story is cruel.

In each case, the story we tell ourselves is far crueler than the reality we’re actually facing. Reality cuts through the noise; our minds create a symphony of suffering.

#thinkgod
I am sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.