TRUISMS INSPIRED BY THE WORK OF JENNY HOLZER
These are my truisms—written in 2016, fine-tuned in 2024, and inspired by Jenny Holzer. I was hesitant to share them. I posted them here once before in January, only to delete them in April. But ultimately, I’ve decided to bring them back to this blog.
Writing has always been therapeutic and healing for me. When I first wrote the original draft, I would read it every night. The truths within fueled my desire to move forward. It became a quiet ritual: a way to make space for myself in a loud world.
Some of these truths faded with time, softened by hope or lost in naivety. But the ones that stayed sharp helped guide me back to myself, and to those I love.
I don’t often share my writing nor I consider myself to be a writer, but tonight, I am sharing these thoughts, just in case something here lands where it’s needed.
The moment you understand that you are not better than anyone else is the moment real healing begins.
More often than not, people help others not out of kindness, but because of how it makes them look and feel. Don’t do that yourself.
Tokenism is NOT the same as diversity.
Image management is not the same as power or authenticity.
Gatekeeping is the death of society.
Being grateful doesn’t mean you owe your loyalty to someone else’s ego.
People will always want to be the main (and only) character—even in your own story.
Don’t look for support where you can’t find it.
Exercise.
Eat healthy.
There is something insidiously sad about being loved without being seen.
Call your parents once a week, at least.
People fall apart.
Privilege clouds judgement.
Education and curiosity allow understanding and social mobility. It doesn’t need erasing—it needs fixing.
Social media is a mask.
Often, the most charismatic people are the most dangerous and inauthentic you'll ever meet. Believe in what you KNOW about them, not what is said.
Keep most realities to yourself.
In adulthood, politeness, power, and money often matter more than the truth.
…BUT unfortunately… Speaking truths without living them tends to sell better.
If you feel you need to dim your light, chances are you’re in the wrong crowd.
Money is absolutely necessary—and more than okay to want—but it’s not the only measure of success.
Stay away from those who diminish your power out of fear of your potential—even if they seem kind or even generous. It’s not real.
There are “I love you” and “I care about you” statements that are nothing more than love bombing—the biggest trap of a narcissist.
Being with the wrong people affects your health, mood, finances, career, and spirit. Choose wisely.
People don’t really care about anyone’s real issues.
People don’t tolerate real vulnerability—it’s a mirror they don’t want to face.
Don’t be 100% honest.
Help people, then let go. Protect your energy.
The world doesn’t owe you shit.
Stay silently true to yourself.
Some people hurt you so they can keep their proximity to power.
“The norm” or “socially accepted” does not always mean fair, real, or trustworthy.
Keep faith that by understanding this without judgement, things will get better, and you’ll see your family and friends again.
Contrary to popular belief, the spiritual and the scientific go hand in hand.
Say what’s polite, but silently—and relentlessly—fight for what’s real.
#truisms #hardtruths #life
