If I haven’t mentioned it before, I’m a huge fan of the band U2. I became a fan in earnest back in the early 90’s when they shook up the rock and roll world with their Zoo TV tour in support of the Achtung Baby album. That tour sported a gigantic set that boasted multiple giant television screens. The screens flashed countless messages and images during the show. It was clearly a satire of the whole concept of television. Screens bombarding you with all kinds of memes. Conditioning the audience, if you will.
For some reason, one of the messages has stuck with me for years. At one point in the show one of the screens flashed a message that caught my eye.
Everything you know is wrong.
Now, that’s a bit of an overgeneralization, but to some extent it is true. I find it is true because the learning process to me is eternal. I’m constantly re-learning things. Finding that the beliefs I once held dear to me really don’t hold an ounce of water.
For me?
I once thought the key to being healthy was whole wheat instead of white, a 100 calorie pack of Oreo Thins instead of the real thing. Now, I know it’s eating real food. Bacon and eggs. Fruits and vegetables.
I once thought being a better runner was simply running more. Running faster. Now, I know managing my effort is far more important than exerting blunt force. Quality over quantity.
I once thought getting stronger was something beyond me. The realm of those with “better genes” than me. Now, I know it is the investment in my future self. My ticket to a life lived. Not a life survived.
I once thought the world existed in one area code. Beyond that were kingdoms populated by people of different makeups and dispositions. In truth, I learned the world has been put here to be experienced. Challenging my boundaries has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined.
I once thought the world was a scary, unfriendly place. I now know that this planet is populated by amazing, special people. That people are generally good.
I once thought others held a lien on my dreams. I needed to fulfill their needs before my dreams. I now know I am no good to anyone else if am not shooting for the stars myself. I am no good example to others if I sell myself short. I have no business having anyone look up to me if I make excuses and blame others.
I once thought the key to happiness was acceptance. Please everyone, be liked, be happy. The wisdom of years has taught me to accept myself and happiness follows.
I once thought peace would always slip through my fingers. Then, on a quiet morning run, I saw the sun barely beginning to rise through the Florida palms. I could feel the gentle breeze and stare at the eerie calm of the fog hovering over the ponds. I felt peace.
I felt that peace because, at some point, I admitted everything I knew was wrong. I set out to learn the real truth. I humbled myself into admitting that to believe the lies is to sell yourself short.
Admit it. Everything you know is wrong. It’s scary, downright petrifying. The truths you cling to, they do you a disservice. They tell you that you can’t. They tell you the deck is stacked against you. They tell you powers beyond your control hold you back.
They all lie. They whisper in your ear the pain and fear you will feel if you try. But they lie.
Trust yourself enough to know it is all wrong.
Believe it can change.
