Don’t believe everything you think

Owner

Brian Rumao

January 21, 2026

Until you question what you believe, you will continue to live the story you created.

Byron Katie

At lunch with my father recently, we discussed what it means to be responsible for your life. He was sharing how hard it is to make new friends at his age, with excuses about being busy (he’s retired), not meeting people, etc. While we sat at our table, I asked him why he didn’t strike up a conversation with the Indian manager who greeted us. His response surprised me: “You’d probably get mad at me if I started talking to him. He asked us to sit down at the table. He’s busy. He doesn’t have time to talk to me.”

We talked about the story in his mind — specifically the story he made up. That I’d get mad. That the manager is too busy. I asked him are those really true? Does he know for sure? (hat tip, Byron Katie). He acknowledged maybe not. I asked him how he’d feel without those thoughts. Who he might be in that moment. I’m not sure how much of it landed, but I offered him this: Don’t believe everything you think. While we had our lunch, we observed the manager talk to two other patrons for several minutes. I noted to my father: I think he has time.

We are masters of crafting stories in our minds. Most of which are not true. But we act as if they are, and then they limit us in myriad ways, both consciously and unconsciously. Those stories make us live lives of despair and victimhood. I refuse to live that way. I take ownership for everything, recognizing my ability to respond is limitless. So, what beliefs are holding you back? Are they true? Can you be sure? If not — what would be possible without them?