A single unified awareness derived from sensory processes while a stimulus is present.
That unified awareness is not uniform among a diverse group of individuals, no matter how alike those individuals seem to be. Perception is 90% of reality for the majority of people on the planet, and it is infuriating when a persons perception of who you are is very different than what you want them to see.... Mostly because ones perception of his/her own person is rarely accurate already!
You constantly learn and grow, accept criticism when its light and argue when the truth hurts, you stand firm on certain points of character but you bend and alter your personality to reflect who you ideally want to be in the end.
This constant strain to be more than you were yesterday is a hard struggle, it is something you are proud of, especially when someone points out the changes and appreciates who you are... for no apparent reason... you never asked, you were not hurting, they just recognized the growth and commended you.
There are days though when your tried and tested manner seems to fail, you meet people who don't get it, who view what you are and who you strive to be, as something less than desirable. This perception can be mind halting, it can slow progress, make you question who you are and how far you have come.... STOP.... this is perception. This is an awareness of you based on the senses they have and the stimuli in their lives. IT IS NOT TRUTH, unless you make it truth, IT IS NOT AN ATTACK, unless you choose not to learn, IT IS PERCEPTION, and it is not in your control so do not try to control it. Be aware of what led them to these views, tweak what you feel needs to be tweaked, lean on the shoulders and views of your five closest friends, they know you best, and never compromise the work you have already put in... perception is reality to 90% of the people in the world, but you can be among the 10% who are truly happy and successful, simply by noting two simple truths, how people perceive you is important TO AN EXTENT, and you are never as bad/good as you think you are!
You must exist in society, so what people think of you does matter as far as how you move through life, never let that define you though. Ones own self is always ones own worst critic, and EGO (this is NOT self confidence FYI) is a defence or mask for low self esteem.
You can be happy if you are willing to listen to and truly admit your own faults, as well as, being open to truly believing you are worth everything you want from life.
To my friends, you watch, you listen, you criticize, and you guide... all from the purest place with the utmost respect and only with my success in mind, even when it hurts!!! I love you all!!
To my enemies, you beat me with your bravado, ostracize me to no end, and continue being the best example of the kind of people I never want to be. Thank you. You help me without intent.
To those I have yet to really get to know, I am always evolving, my growth is complimented and aided by the growth of those closest to me, I will ever strive to be better and ever urge for you to do the same.
I can be abrasive, argumentative, and over attentive. I can also be a shoulder, an ear, a wise word, an example, and a friend. I am loyal, honest, respectful, and my emotions are as potent as my logic. These are the perceptions I've heard from those who know me, never be afraid to give me yours!