Welcome to Newsletter Sweet 16

At this point, I need to look myself in the mirror and take full accountability for my actions. I am SO LATE YET AGAIN with this May edition. I know you are all probably freaking out, but not 2 worry, here I am! 2024 Amil would be so disappointed in his 2025 self’s tardiness, but I suppose we all have our shortcomings. I have found myself putting off this newsletter as each day passes upon May’s conclusion because I don’t want to face the reality that I have been putting this off. But now, I’m on the NJ Transit, with nothing else to do, so it’s time to lock in and be introspective. Let’s see if I can get this out before I get to Lyons 🚂

We Are All Just People

I think I often forget that, at the end of the day, we are all just people doing the best we can, trying to get through the day. People we idolize, people we fear, people we love, people we hate – they are all just…people. And that can be a grounding realization that changes how you treat people and view the world.

If someone bumps into you on the street and knocks your phone out of your hand, you could immediately strike them with an angry comment and question their competency. Or, you could remember that, they’re just a person, doing the best they can, and they made a mistake. They bumped into you. Maybe they were distracted because they just received some heartbreaking news, maybe they were deep in thought thinking about a complicated problem in their life, maybe they’re blinded by their excitement for their upcoming plans with their spouse. What I’m trying to verbosely say is that we need not assume ill intentions of others. When we remember that everyone around us is also just other people trying to survive, it grants us a softer view of the world. We don’t become so cynical, so angry – we become untouchable, impenetrable.

Assuming the worst of others is like wearing a rain jacket on a day when its 80 degrees and sunny without a cloud in the sky. Without even giving someone a chance, you are already planning for the worst case scenario – beyond that, you are assuming that it’s going to happen! You’ve already counted someone out before they’ve even gotten the chance to show you who they are.

So, it is important to remember, that everyone is human. Everyone was once a baby, learning how to read, speak, eat, talk, and love for the first time. I think a lot of conflict arises because people dehumanize one another. We act as if we do not also experience the same painful feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, insecurity, and hurt. And this can hurt.

Someone didn’t hold the door open for you? Okay, maybe they were in a rush. Someone talked poorly about you? They’re probably just insecure and threatened by your radiance. Someone didn’t invite you to their party? Perhaps they just didn’t feel super connected to you. It's (usually) not all that deep, and (most) humans are not all that evil.

In a world where people are judged under the finest microscope and chastised by their mistakes, all I’m saying is, to take a breath, and first remember that you are all on the same team.

Every bad thing that someone does to you – perhaps it wasn’t their intention, just a byproduct of the circumstances. I’m not saying you should blindly excuse anyone and everyone who does wrong by you and condone all mistreatment – there’s a clear line of distinction that I’m hoping goes without saying – but operating with the assumption that everyone around you has the worst intentions and that the whole world is against paints a dark, pessimistic, and lonely life.

With this cynical lens, we isolate ourselves from the people who love us dearly, and we prevent ourselves from receiving the love we deserve because we, too, are against our very self.

Thank you for listening to me!

You know the drill: everything I write here is something I am actively working on improving and implementing within myself. Writing them out also helps me to visualize what to work on and how to do it. And having you as my audience holds me accountable.

If you have any thoughts, comments, or feedback, please dish it to me! I’d love to know how I can improve. I am glad to have you here on my VasaVita journey.

If you want to talk more about anything I discussed in my newsletters, or want to learn more about VasaVita, check out my website below!

See you next (this) month!

And last but not least, the following growth check!

You all know the drill now: in the sprit of transparency and holding myself accountable, I include my audience count here to keep you apprised on my growth. We got some new joiners in April!!

Looking forward to ~hopefully~ more growth next month! If you have any ideas or tips, feel free to share!