Together But Still Alone - Assumption Detox

Jake Luehrs
April 05, 2025

ONE QUESTION

Do you prefer to be miserable and correct or happy and incorrect?

ONE THING TO PONDER

If you’re going to live authentically, you’re going to have to disappoint people.

ONE PERSPECTIVE

The toughest person you'll ever face isn't across from you. It's the one staring back in the mirror who's terrified of being seen.

The truth is that you’re all reading this to get something. While I’m here sharing, the reality is that this is really about you, what you’re open to hearing and what you’re willing to walk away with.

These newsletters at the core have NOTHING to do with me. It’s all about what you choose to take and use.

What you’re going to get out of this edition is heavily predicated on what you choose to defend with what you’re currently doing and how open you are to seeing things differently.

This isn't some kumbaya moment. This edition is suggesting a different path rather than supporting a culture that profits from our disconnection - news, social media, etc.

Putting on the Facade

I've spent decades perfecting my armor. Polishing it. Reinforcing it. Making damn sure no one saw the dents, the scratches, the places I've been hit hardest.

And what did it get me? Distance. Isolation. A life half-lived. I’ve realized this over the past 8-10 months.

I tend to believe people would be more open if we didn't judge so harshly and quickly.

We move so fast in society, and oftentimes that requires us to make quick assumptions.

Some things make sense to judge quickly and move on...yet judging people shouldn't fit into that category.

Society is quick to judge, it’s human nature.

We judge the wealthy as greedy without knowing their generosity.

We judge the poor as lazy without knowing their struggles.

We judge the successful as lucky without seeing their sacrifices.

ALL BULLSHIT.

If we weren't so quick to judge, my belief is that if we chose to share more of our real life experiences with others, we'd realize we have far more in common than what 'society' suggests.

I’m not referring to complaining, I’m referring to processing and learning from challenges and struggles.

The more I share my struggles, challenges, mistakes, and successes with others, the more I hear others have experienced much of the same. In those moments, I feel more connected to others.

The opportunity is a meaningful connection....something that has been proven over and over to be one of the key components to a meaningful life and one of service to others.

This week I shared a couple of emotional life experiences I've had over the past 12 months with others.

They weren't just nodding heads and business cards anymore. They were humans. Winning. Losing. Broken. Thriving…..Just like me.

Some will call this weakness. Some will call it strength. I call it FREEDOM.

Judge this newsletter how you want. Call me weak. Call me strong...it's fine either way. I sleep better at night knowing I'm not pretending anymore and I want the same for you.

Don't mistake vulnerability or transparency as weakness. I'm a tough SOB, I've just learned that locking it up inside is a hindrance to bring more strength to the world.

More curiosity, less judgement brings more humanness.

Onward and upward!

Jake

PODCAST

Naval Ravikant - 44 Harsh Truths About Human Nature

Modern Wisdom

This episode is fascinating. Well worth the listen. Even if you can listen to the first 30 minutes, you’ll walk away with some interesting insight, some that will apply to you in your day to day life. It’s a deep dive, and one that will serve you well!

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

As a Man Thinketh
by James Allen

This is one of my favorite books. Likely to do with the length and ease of the read. It’s short, yet there is no mincing of words and wisdom in this book. It’s no secret that how we think determines our focus and our vision. While simply, it takes intentional effort to direct things in the right direction. If you’re not a big reader, or are a slow reader like me, start with this book!