Have you ever walked into your childhood bedroom as an adult? If so, you probably felt like a giant and wondered how this place that once felt so spacious could feel so cramped.

As a kid, I was in awe of so many people, places and things. Even now that I'm older, it's easy to observe something from a distance, building assumptions and expectations based purely on a limited perspective.

`You were always larger than life to me`
`But it turns out you're smaller than you seem`

`#061 / 11.10.23`

I've been let down many times.

A few of these let-downs came from people I (thought) I knew well. Some were people or places I was experiencing for the very first time. Another silly but still very real example is the way I can hype myself up after buying something online, in the time it takes for it to ship to me.

It's so easy to romanticize a future, hypothetical experience. This is especially true with people. Now more than ever, we have the tools to shape the opinions of others, long before they ever have the chance to see our "true colors."

I'm doing this right now, like it or not.

At the end of the day, it's important for us to remember that everyone is human. That's not an excuse for the actions of others, but simply a reminder to give people the chance to show you who they are, for better or worse, each day.

Before I let you go, a quick reflection: When was the last time a person, place, or thing ended up disappointing you? Can you remember what shaped your expectations leading up to that moment? Pause and answer this for yourself. If you feel like sharing you can reply to this email. (I'll give you my answer if you ask!)

Thank you for joining me.

See you next Tuesday,

Benny

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Frgmnts / Issue #066: Back Home

Frgmnts / Issue #065: Prioritizing the Stack

Frgmnts / Issue #064: When We're Apart

Frgmnts / Issue #063: Frgmnts is Back! (Plus: A book update + a new poem.)

Frgmnts / Issue #062: I Have No Idea What I'm Doing

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