The Lies We Tell Ourselves – A Candid Revisit
The lies we tell ourselves shape our realities more than we might realize. In a recent episode of "Brother, Sister, Whatever," hosts Lisa and Josh revisited their most popular episode about self-deception, providing a fascinating glimpse into how our internal narratives evolve—or sometimes don't—over time.
One of the most prevalent lies many of us repeat is "I'll have time for that later." Lisa pointed out that this extends beyond simple procrastination of daily tasks. Rather, it's about delaying the things that contribute to personal growth and fulfillment. How many times have you put off taking that class, pursuing that hobby, or making time for self-care with the promise that you'll get to it "when things settle down"? This pattern of postponement can continue for years, even decades, as life continues presenting new demands on our time.
Another powerful theme explored was the tension between authenticity and social acceptance. Both hosts discussed how we often claim "I don't care what others think" while simultaneously modifying our behavior based on social expectations. This contradiction becomes particularly evident in parenting, where they noted the struggle between encouraging children to be unique while also steering them away from choices that might invite ridicule. This internal conflict reveals how deeply social conditioning affects even those who consciously resist it, highlighting the complex relationship between individualism and our innate desire for belonging.
Perhaps most poignant was their conversation about self-worth affirmations. Josh mentioned how phrases like "I am enough" can feel simultaneously necessary and cringeworthy. Lisa shared an interesting perspective that such affirmations became natural to her only after she had done significant personal development work—not as a technique to convince herself, but as a genuine reflection of her evolving self-perception. This suggests that authentic self-worth might emerge organically from healing rather than from repetitive affirmations alone.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is the hosts' willingness to examine how their perspectives have or haven't changed over time. Despite months passing between recordings, both acknowledged that many of their fundamental viewpoints remained consistent. This continuity reminds us that personal growth isn't always about dramatic transformations but can also manifest as deeper understanding and acceptance of existing perspectives.
The conversation also touched on how age impacts our relationship with external validation. Josh mentioned that entering his forties has shifted his definition of success from material possessions to quality time—with his children and, increasingly, with himself. This evolution suggests that as we mature, our metrics for evaluating our lives often become more internally focused rather than being determined by societal status symbols.
Whether it's the white lies we tell our children to protect them, the excuses we make to avoid confronting our limitations, or the self-deception that shields us from uncomfortable truths, this episode offers valuable insights into human psychology. By bringing awareness to these patterns, we can begin to recognize when we're selling ourselves short or hiding behind comfortable falsehoods.
