Different Versions of You

Edited on March 30th, 2025:

Hey lovelies and beau’s! Have you ever wondered how many versions of you exist in the minds of the people you meet? It’s wild to think about, isn’t it? We go through life, being who we are, but the way others see us? That’s a whole different story. Each relationship, whether it’s with a lifelong friend or a stranger you met for five minutes, creates a new version of you—one that’s seen through their unique lens. Let’s dive into this idea and explore the many layers of who we really are, and how we shape the world around us without even realizing it.

Recently, while mindlessly scrolling through TikTok (formerly known as Musically), I stumbled upon a video that sparked a profound shift in my thinking. The video came from @lost_thoughts, and it posed the question: “Is it not weird how so many versions of you exist in people’s minds?”

That simple question set off a chain of thoughts that led me to a realization—a truth I think many of us often forget: our reality is not a singular, fixed thing. It's an ever-shifting mosaic, constantly evolving and colored by the perceptions of others. Each person we encounter sees a different version of us, shaped by their own experiences, biases, and emotions. We are all simultaneously the same person, yet a multitude of beings, depending on who’s looking.

When I think about the different relationships I’ve had—family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers—it becomes clear that the way we are seen by others is like the way we experience life itself: through a lens. Much like a kaleidoscope, each encounter and perspective distills a unique, fragmented version of who we are. It’s humbling to consider that even our most intimate loved ones may know us differently than we know ourselves.

This insight can feel overwhelming, but also incredibly freeing. It means that no matter how much we struggle with self-doubt or how we question our own worth, there are versions of us out there that others admire, respect, or even love. It’s as if each person holds a key to unlocking a different layer of our identity—a layer we might not even be aware of until we hear their reflection of us.

And this brings me to the idea of identity. In philosophy, identity has often been discussed as something fluid, something constantly in flux. We are not static beings, but instead, we are shaped by every interaction, every conversation, every experience. The philosopher Heraclitus famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice,”meaning that nothing is ever the same, not even ourselves. We are constantly becoming, shifting, evolving. The idea that we exist as so many different versions in the minds of others is a testament to the fluidity of identity and the interconnectedness of our human experience.

Perhaps this is why we often fail to see the beauty and depth within ourselves until we are mirrored by others. We often underestimate the significance of our own presence until someone else reminds us of it. We all bring different energies, perspectives, and emotions to the table, and because of that, we leave behind a unique imprint on those we meet.

To illustrate this, I want to share a few versions of the people closest to me—the versions I’ve experienced through my own lens. These versions are not absolute truths about them, but fragments of their essence as I’ve come to know them:

Friend 0205 – Outgoing, empathetic, and full of energy. She sees the beauty in others with an open heart, always making sure no one feels left out. Her presence is a light that illuminates any room she walks into.

Friend 0206 – Calm, intellectual, and compassionate. She has a depth that invites wisdom, and I’ve learned so much from her, not just about the world, but about myself. She encourages growth, yet creates space for vulnerability and reflection.

Friend 0425 – Fun-loving and adventurous, she’s a reminder to embrace life’s spontaneity. She challenges me to let go of control and simply be present in each moment. With her, the world is a playground.

Friend 0822 – Creative, quirky, and unapologetically herself. She brings joy into every moment, finding delight in the simplest of things. Her lightheartedness is a reminder that life doesn’t have to be taken so seriously.

Friend 0904 – A beacon of warmth, care, and optimism. Her infectious zest for life is an invitation to see the world with new eyes—to embrace the wonder and beauty in the mundane.

Friend 1105 – Hilarious and spontaneous, she turns every moment into an adventure. She has this magnetic energy that lifts everyone around her. In her company, I am reminded that laughter is an essential part of life’s healing.

Friend 1208 – Grounded, inspiring, and intuitive, she has this way of making everything seem possible. Her presence makes me feel at ease, knowing that with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality.

These versions of my friends, though unique to me, are but one layer of who they are. They represent the facets of their personalities that have intersected with mine, the parts of them that have touched my heart and shaped my perception of the world. But I wonder—how do they see themselves? And how do they perceive me?

This reflection has made me realize that we are all mirrors for each other. Every time we interact, we reflect a piece of ourselves back to others. Through this, we help one another grow, change, and evolve. The way we see the world is so deeply influenced by those around us, and conversely, the way we are seen can have a lasting impact on how we view ourselves.

This interconnectedness is at the heart of what it means to be human. We are not isolated entities, but rather a web of experiences, relationships, and perceptions. Each of us contributes to the tapestry of someone else’s life, and they contribute to ours. And in this constant exchange, we are continuously reshaped and redefined.

So, as we move through life, I encourage you to embrace the many versions of yourself that others see. They are not just reflections of who you are, but invitations to grow, to understand, and to be more than what you thought was possible. Our versions are infinite, just as our potential is.

To everyone who has been a part of my life, thank you for being the version of yourself that you are. You are all making a difference in ways you may never fully understand, but know that your impact is real and profound.

As the quote goes: “A different version of you exists in the minds of everyone that knows you.”

And it’s these many versions, these reflections, that help us become who we are meant to be.

As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!

***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***