At 62 years of age, I have experienced a vast spectrum of life—abuse, joy, immigration, marriage, motherhood, success, blindness, despair, poverty, loss, genuine intimacy, heartbreak, illness, and confusion. Throughout all these years, one truth has consistently proven itself, not only in my personal life but also in my professional journey as a yoga teacher, real estate agent, marketing expert, saleswoman, and now as a Vedic counselor. Vedic counseling is a new field of counseling and it is a holistic approach to self-knowledge and cosmic understanding, encompassing all aspects of life and consciousness.

Having served in these various roles and worked with people from all walks of life, I have come to recognize a universal truth about human nature and the dramas we face. This truth, evident in every area of life, is that unresolved pains, shames, and secrets perpetuate cycles of hurt—not just within ourselves, but also with those we love. This cycle continues until we reach a breaking point—when we become sick and tired of being sick and tired, weighed down by pain, sorrow, and fractured relationships.

Yet, this truth is one we often choose to ignore. Instead, we blame others or criticize ourselves for the outcomes of our lives. I’ve witnessed people buying homes they can’t afford to appear successful and worthy, all because of deeply ingrained feelings of unworthiness. I’ve seen individuals react dramatically to perceived slights, misinterpreting words and intentions due to their own unresolved perceptions. Most significantly, I’ve observed that one of humanity’s biggest addictions is our addiction to our own thoughts and beliefs.

None of us are exempt from this cycle—not even those actively addressing their core beliefs through therapy, meditation, or self-reflection. Being human is inherently complex and, at times, deeply painful. I’ve learned that unless we are willing to sit down with genuine honesty, ask meaningful questions, and truly listen with the intention of understanding others’ pain and hearts, it is incredibly difficult to foster harmony in our relationships.

As children, we are not yet cognitively developed, but we are deeply emotionally aware. When we experience intense negative emotions without feeling safe, we often internalize the belief that we are the source of others’ troubles, as though our mere existence is a burden. This misunderstanding can lead us to believe we are unworthy, incapable, or undeserving of love and care.

These core beliefs often stay with us throughout our lives. Our subconscious mind works tirelessly to validate these beliefs, causing us to perpetuate our own suffering and inadvertently harm those we care about. However, the moment we realize that we are the ones generating these thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, we can begin the journey toward self-love and self-awareness.

The path forward involves reprogramming our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. By doing so, we can transform our relationships, improve our health, and enhance our overall well-being. Each of us lives in our own unique “mini-universe,” and learning to communicate between these universes is no small feat—but it is possible. With loving and pure intentions, the best outcomes can emerge.

So, I ask you: Are you on this path of self-discovery and healing? How are you choosing to align yourself with this journey? How much responsibility are you taking for your life and relationships?