Creating Your Reality “You’re living in someone else's reality until you create your own.”

Graduate School while in DC.

The Best Advice I Ever Got

When I was in graduate school, one of my professors gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received. He said,
“You’re living in someone else's reality until you create your own.”

At the time, I was struggling with a difficult course. It was a real challenge, but I managed to pass. More importantly, I never forgot those wise words—and now, I’m sharing them with you.

It took me a while to truly grasp the depth of what he was saying. That advice wasn’t just about the classroom; it was a lesson for life.

Living Within the Lines

We live in an organized society with rules designed to keep people safe and maintain order. As a community advocate with a background in policy, I work to improve laws and uplift communities.

But even with that understanding, I’ve never been one to live on someone else’s terms—especially when it comes to my career, time, goals, or personal life.

The Turning Point

Early in my career, I had a very demanding job. I worked from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the busy season for months. Beyond the obvious impact on my social life, I was miserable. I was living in the reality shaped by that job culture, and those who ran it.

Back then, I’d tell myself, “I’m going to climb the corporate ladder,” and similar things… until reality hit me like a brick.

One day, sitting at my desk, I looked around. I saw managers missing out on moments with their families, chained to their desks, enforcing toxic leadership’s agenda—and I thought, “Forget this.”

I wasn’t interested in climbing a ladder with that kind of tradeoff. In that moment, I decided I would create my own path—and walk it.

Creating the Life I Want

I’m still on that journey, but I’ve made real progress since that day. I’ve learned to move with intention, define my own values, and pursue what feels meaningful, not just what looks good on paper.

The takeaway from this story is simple:

Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.

One of my mentors once told me:
“Work 9 to 5 to maintain your life, but from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.—that’s when you build your own.”

Your Turn

You don’t have to settle for someone else’s vision of success. If something doesn’t feel right, you have every right to change direction.

Start small. Stay consistent.

And remember: Your reality is yours to create.

That's all I got for now. Until next time.