We’re at it again. Isn’t that great? I think so at least. This time around I was inspired to write you because of a Disney movie song. No, it is not “Let it go”, newer Disney movies are so overrated, the classics are where it’s at.
What song was it and from which movie did it come from? Well, it was Reflections from the Mulan movie. Personal side note, having grown up with those movies as a kid I can confirm Mulan is the #1 Disney princess, undisputed. She’s a straight up boss, overcomes societal expectations by integrating masculine and feminine qualities to make herself a more well-rounded and capable human being. That’s the kind of shit, knowing what I know now, that brings tears to my eyes.
Now this isn’t going to be an in depth analysis of the symbolism in that movie. No, instead I want to focus on a few lines in the song that brought forth something in me. One line goes, “Who is that girl I see… staring straight back at me?”. Okay, what’s going on here? Well, the persona she broadcasts to the world is at odds with who she is as a person. This internal discrepancy between persona and person causes agony not just for a character in a movie but also for so many people in the real world as well. I believe, and this just my view on it; that in many respects people haven’t spent enough time discovering through introspection who they really are. So, they can only really see the roles and societal expectations they think they have to fill. These inevitably don’t fully capture the real secret of who they are and although they may not be able to articulate it, they still can feel the pain that arises from that personal dissonance.
Understanding of who you really are, can come from introspection or going through certain experiences, like Mulan does in the movie. Either way of getting there is fine but the important thing is that you do get there. That’s why I encourage you do to some of the techniques I’ve talked about previously in other posts. For instance, writing on a piece of paper who you are and trying to untangle that answer, meditating (I don’t I’ve mentioned that one before but I will at some point), writing a page of your thoughts, building a quote book and even reading.
Okay, next line “Somehow I cannot hide, who I am… though I’ve tried”. Acceptance of yourself, god isn’t that hard to come to terms with. Strange isn’t, as humans the hardest thing can be to reconcile with yourself over yourself. People do this kind of shit all the time, trying to run away from what they really are. It never works, and the character acknowledges that in the same line, yet we do it anyway. And can you take a guess as to why it doesn’t work?
Well, it’s because of the inescapable fact that only you can be you. There’s no quick fix for this, but we both know quick fixes don’t work; and that’s established due to running away not working. I think time is a major factor in this equation, well I should say doing the practices that I mentioned above over time.
Last one, “When will my reflection show who I am inside”. Dang this one hurts the soul the most. Many years ago when I was much younger, I thought something very similar. The truth is that this issue is very much linked to the previous line, and the way to solve it is the same. I’m reminded of the saying “private victories precede public victories” but within the context of the individual. So, it should go more like, internal victories precede external victories. Conquering the terrain within yourself is the only way to achieve the outcome that the character desires and that we as human beings desire too. In my own personal situation, when I look at the man in the mirror; I’m at peace knowing that every day he becomes less of a stranger.
Could do a whole series solely based off the songs from Mulan but I don’t think I will. This was a more of a spur of the moment kind of thing. No clue if it made any sense, but it made sense to me at the time of writing.
Anyways, thanks again to the growing number of Hedites for showing their support. You all are incredible people. More is on the way, but you already knew that
Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jordan Hedi Productions
I always for some reason get excited to write these posts, no matter what’s going on I can always manage to create the enthusiasm needed to get something out. Yay, so we’re back at it again.
Walking away, when is it the right time to cut someone out of your life? And how best to do it? I know that can seem harsh to say it like that but the reality of life is; you need to seek out high value people to be around, you also need to know when to cut some people loose.
Humans are pack animals, we in many respects need to have people with which we can connect. That being said, I’m also a big believer in the idea that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Or at least your values, habits and thoughts will be an aggregate of those five people. Now, don’t get me wrong you can still be influenced by others outside of that list but those will have the biggest single impact.
If their lives are on a downward trajectory, it is only a matter of time before it starts to affect you. Just because someone is in a bad mood or is in a bit of a rough patch, doesn’t mean they are deserving of the cold shoulder, but if over an extended period of time their behaviour gets worse and worse, it might be worth considering.
When is the right time, or what is a potential signal that may help you judge whether it is the right thing to do? Well, it’s pretty simple actually. If your phone starts buzzing and you see the name of the person calling or messaging, and your natural response is a cold shiver down your spine and your face contorts and the only sound you can make is “Urggghhhh”. That is a telltale sign that that person needs to go from your life.
Like I said, it does need to happen regularly over a period of time; because you could be mad at someone for something they did, then they call you and you don’t want anything to do with them. But by the next day, everything smooths over and you have no issue interacting with that person.
If it does keep happening though, that means it’s go time. But how do we get rid of them. That’s easy, we just stop picking up the phone or responding to their messages. It will take awhile because they have been used to getting your attention but after a consistent campaign by you to not engage. They will eventually stop trying and the end goal will be achieved; you still might bump into them from time to time but the distance that will have built between you and them will shelter you from any notion that you should reconnect.
Now look, you’re not a bad person for doing that, never feel that way. To a certain extent those people will implicitly understand in a subconscious way what is going on. You can’t save everyone and sometimes it’s difficult to save yourself, so being dragged down by them isn’t healthy for you or them. Just let it go.
I hope that was of help my Hedites, remember to like and follow for more bits like this. Oh and what’s going on, why you don’t want to subscribe to the youtube channel, that makes me sad. We need to get the good word out, so do the world a favour and subscribe over on youtube. It will make me smile.
Video coming out tomorrow so get ready for that,
deuces
Posted on January 14, 2022 by Jordan Hedi Productions
Welcome back, it’s a brand new year and man can I tell you I think this one might just be the best one yet, I can just feel it. Couldn’t tell you why, but there’s a sense of new opportunities this time round. I hope you feel the same.
But today’s post is about something I thought about while spending the last week with my new best friend, Morticia the greyhound. We live much of our life with an apprehension to people we don’t know. I believe there are countless individual reasons for this: it could be that we don’t feel comfortable with people outside our circle because of ancient caveman thinking, or maybe it’s simply the fear of being judged.
Hard to say, but what I think is worth thinking about, is flipping that concept on it’s head. Instead of viewing outsiders as something to be anxious about, we should view them as something positive and affirming. Now, don’t get me wrong, even if you do follow that principle, that doesn’t mean that everyone on this planet will be kind towards you. No, unfortunately some people are mean regardless of anything you do; don’t worry that’s on them.
The best way to manage this shift in thinking is a quote or a saying that can be repeated will we are getting ready to go out into the world, so maybe say/think it during breakfast or morning routine. The one I like to use is:
“Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet”
I really like this one a lot. It cements in my mind the idea that I am personable and someone people would like to share moments with. Also, it ameliorates that tension that can be build up in our minds around meeting new people, because it states plainly that they are already our friends, we just have to go through the motions of making that a reality.
I might leave it there, I know what you are thinking, there was no video last week and I’m sure you’re foaming at the mouth like a wild mutt for a new one. Well, guess what? Two videos tomorrow. Just to make up for it.
Hedites, venture into the world with the idea that people are looking out for you and you will find many do.
I wish you all the best for 2022, let’s stay in touch.
Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jordan Hedi Productions
Today, the last day of 2021, and look, I know I already made a post about giving thanks last week. But things in my life have been so abundant with good tidings that I had to make a second.
I’ll try to spin it a different way this time. The thing that has changed since my last post is that I adopted a rescue greyhound. The rescue organisation gives the greyhounds a nickname when they arrive because normally they don’t have one or it’s their racing name. I’ve named mine Morticia, she is a gorgeous black greyhound who is an absolute sweetheart.
Now don’t get me wrong, this is day one of our life together. But I can’t help but be proud and also feel responsible for the cutie. This responsibility is a big one, I’ve never had my own dog before and being a racing greyhound complicates that further. You see, racing dogs know nothing but the track and the kennel; they don’t have any idea about what being a pet means, or that there are other dogs besides greyhounds. Having brought her home, she is still adjusting to this new environment.
I don’t really know what more to say, I feel bound to protect and care for this wonderful creature. I feel as if she is the purrfect partner to bring in the new year with.
I’m so grateful for this opportunity to grow as a person alongside my new roommate.
Don’t worry I will post a number of pictures of her later, but bye for now. Morticia and I are going to chill on the couch.
Posted on December 31, 2021 by Jordan Hedi Productions
Crazy to think this year is coming to an end, I know it’s just the standard passage of time but for me at least it has flown by.
Yesterday I was doing my final bit of Christmas shopping and made a small realisation when it came to how I was feeling. After I had bought all the presents I needed to, I noticed how I had completely forgot about the fact that people would be buying me presents as well.
Somehow it had slipped my mind that is how the whole celebration works. The best thing was that I didn’t really care what I got, in reality I was going to be glad regardless, even if I wasn’t thrilled about what I received. The reason for that is gratitude, how could I ever be caught up in the trap on not getting what I want, when in reality I already have so much to be grateful for.
I know it may sound sappy, but I do think that. This time of year is a moment of gift giving and celebration but it is also a great time to remind yourself of all the presents (tangible and intangible) that you already have. This is a good practice anytime of the year but there is something to the whole end of year vibe that makes it even more of a productive activity.
So, what I recommend is to do a stock take of your life and ask yourself what are you grateful for in your life. Then after that, ask what are you excited for in the new year.
It just might be the best present anyone can give, but the thing is the only person who can bestow it is yourself. It doesn’t even cost anything to do, how sweet is that?
Big shout to all my Hedites out there, loving the energy you send my way. It’s been a honor to share what I have with you all this year. I still have to release my December short story, release tomorrow’s video and next week’s posts. But don’t worry, everything will come out as normal; next year will be a big one for you and me but I’m excited for the changes.
Keep in touch!!!
Posted on December 24, 2021 by Jordan Hedi Productions
So you’re back again for another brain bashing, I like.
This week I want to talk about agreement with others and the difficulties that arise from trying to force a viewpoint onto someone.
In the past, I was of the belief that if you had a compelling argument or perspective, then by the power of your logic and reasoning you could bring the other side over to your camp. Man, that couldn’t be further from the truth, and shows how much I had to learn, and still need to learn.
Now, don’t get me wrong, you can flip a certain proportion of people with this method. You can provide all the facts, give a rousing speech and even delve into the emotional angle of the issue as well. But, because humans are the way we are, a large proportion will still vehemently resist you.
The reasons for this can vary greatly from person to person and issue to issue. But if the COVID pandemic has taught me anything, it is that people hate to be told want to do. Take for instance the vaccine mandates, there are those who rally against it because they think that the vaccine is a 5G conspiracy by Bill Gates; however, there are also others that have been vaccinated themselves but campaign against the mandates because they think they damage freedom or liberty (insert other libertarian buzzwords). The irony is the disease carries way more risk than the vaccine does, but people resent it because they feel forced to do something.
That is just one topical example, other examples can be drawn from any avenue where there is disagreement, which is essentially everything. What is important to know then, is that in any viewpoint there will always be those that agree with you, regardless if they actually know the reasons why, and those who don’t agree even if they do understand your reasoning. The goal then should be to not get too attached to your perspective, because if you do you might become hostile when they do not appreciate the genius of your logic.
Now, I know this all might seem so obvious but sometimes we forget this in the heat of a debate and then get hurt. Regardless if not everyone agrees with you, remember that it isn’t necessarily your job to get people to see the light. At times the best you can do is be informed and alert.
Thanks once again my Hedites, keep working your magic. We’re coming to the end of the year and I want you to know I have some exciting stuff to share with you. So, stay tuned
Hit the like button and drop a follow, it helps big time.
Posted on December 17, 2021 by Jordan Hedi Productions
Jordan Hedi Productions