Back in 2019 I posted a blog with the same title and recently this year it received over 10,000 views! When I noticed this, I went back and re-read it, realizing the original blog may not have been as clear as to what the quote actually means, and that is what everyone is searching for – an understanding of what this quote means. So today, I am going to break it down into simpler terms so that it is as clear as possible.
Let’s first start with some definitions of the words used. Perception is defined as an understanding of the mind. Reflection is defined as something being mirrored back (or shown) to you; the act of reflecting. Therefore, the first part of the quote means, “The way your mind is understanding something about me is mirroring back, or showing, you something about yourself.” Think about looking in a mirror. You see your own image but it is reversed. It’s still you, yet it is a different view of yourself and you wouldn’t look in the mirror and say that it isn’t you just because you’re seeing a different side of yourself. The way we see the world is always a reflection of our own mind and how it understands what it is looking at. That is our perception.
Now let’s look at the second half of the quote. Reaction is defined as action in response to some influence. Awareness is defined as having knowledge or being conscious of something. Therefore, the second part of the quote means, “How I act in response to something you do is showing me something about myself,” or “I am becoming conscious of it through my reaction to you.” Again, it is about mirroring. Instead focusing on what the person did that caused you to react a certain way, look at why you are reacting that way and it will tell you more about yourself. Is there an unhealed emotional wound being revealed to you because of it? Are they disrespecting your boundaries? Perhaps you’ve discovered a new boundary for yourself through the way someone treated you and the way you figured it out is by questioning your reaction to it, NOT through blaming the other person’s actions. Their actions are their responsibility just as yours are your own. If you choose to stay in relationship with someone whose actions continuously hurt you, that is your choice and not theirs. You must take responsibility for removing yourself from the situation when they show you who they are through their actions.
The entire quote as a whole is a chance for us to take full responsibility for how we think, what we feel and how we act in response to others. How someone treats you is always reflective of how they think, feel and what they believe, and vice versa. I recorded a YouTube video about this as well. You can watch it here to receive more understanding and examples.
If you still do not fully understand this quote, you can schedule a session with me or email me at empoweringyourauthenticity@gmail.com.
Much love,
Bethany
Bethany Empowers 
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