Truth in My Flow

Though I noticed his presence earlier, it was difficult for me to recognize who he was due to the pashmina he was wearing. Now that it was off, I felt comfortable approaching him.

While at the “Emporium One Year Anniversary” rave at Subculture, I took a break from the music and went outside to get some air.

We immediately got to the small talk, asking how we were doing and whatnot. Eventually, a few more people entered the conversation, completely changing the vibe.

I said something that seemed to take root in the altered dialogue, and it left me alone to think about it (or so it seemed). I checked in with myself and realized that I was totally fine with none of the present conversationalists being interested in what I was saying. Simultaneously, I wasn’t too into what they were talking about either. Without any other words, I simply got up and casually went back inside.

There was a time when I would endure conversations that I didn’t necessarily want to be in because I didn’t want to displease someone.

In order for me to create this space to showcase this blog, I had to commit to making decisions that worked out better for my well-being. This created friction within my mind. Oftentimes, I’ve been a person adamant about trying to make everything work for everyone. Now I truly know that this is too much of a burden for me to handle. I liken it to trying to run a 5K while holding a bucket filled with water and not spilling any of it.

I have another instance to further my point:

This time I was having a conversation with my friend Michael (creator of Op-Zen) at Pacific Kava. It was a fluid conversation that attracted the attention of a man named Ben.

I remember saying, “When I am making considerations, I do my best to be fair to people. Yet, I also have to remind myself to be fair to myself.”

Ben interjected with, “Sounds like you’re working on not being a people pleaser!”

I have mixed feelings about this term. Whenever I hear it brought up, it’s usually used in the context of having a personality trait that leads to burnout and self-neglect. What I rarely hear are the benefits that come with people pleasing.

I believe that people pleasing should be treated as a social strategy to ensure the well-being of self and the community you’re part of. When seen like that, I feel like this possibly morphs into a different term: coexisting.

When you are coexisting with others, you are choosing to respect differences that do not infringe upon your life. In those differences are things that can possibly aid you in the quality of your very own well-being.

I’ve spent many nights contemplating why humans struggle with each other. Using the massive amount of experiences I’ve gained from pushing myself socially, I’ve sought to understand human life and construct patterns that could multiply collective peace.

What I’ve come up with is this:

Many of our struggles as humans come down to misalignment—between individuals, groups, and even within ourselves. These misalignments often stem from fear, ego, or a lack of understanding.

When we operate from a space of coexistence rather than control, something shifts. Coexisting means acknowledging that every person has their own flow, their own truth, and their own rhythm to life. It’s about finding harmony, not forcing unity.

The key is balance. I’ve learned that respecting myself and my needs doesn’t mean disrespecting others. It’s not about being selfish—it’s about being truthful in my flow. When I can be honest about what I need and what I can give, it creates space for deeper, more meaningful connections.

That moment at the rave, when I walked away from the conversation, was a reflection of this lesson. I wasn’t walking away out of anger or judgment; I was walking away out of respect—for myself and for the flow of the group. They had their rhythm, and I had mine, and that’s okay.

Similarly, my conversation at Pacific Kava with Michael and Ben reminded me that fairness starts within. People-pleasing, when done out of fear or obligation, is exhausting. But when it’s rooted in a desire to coexist and respect the truth of others while honoring your own, it becomes a strength.

This blog, my art, my life—they all come back to one thing: truth. The truth of what I feel, what I think, and how I move through the world. It’s not always easy to find that truth, especially when the noise of expectations and obligations gets too loud. But every step I take toward that truth is a step toward freedom.

Coexisting isn’t about sacrificing yourself; it’s about creating space for everyone’s truth to coexist—including your own.

What does “truth in your flow” mean to you? How do you balance honoring your needs while respecting the rhythms of others?

Let me know – I’d love to hear your perspective.