There’s something incredible about the way our strength runs deep—down to the bone, within the marrow. It’s this marrow that not only nourishes our bodies but carries with it the lineage of our ancestors. A strength that flows through our genetic lines, unwavering, even in the face of trials. This bond of blood, this inheritance of resilience, remains untouched by outside forces, no matter how often life tries to shake it.
But in today’s world, too many of us have seen that even the closest ties—family, lifelong friends—can be twisted by carefully spun narratives. People, familiar faces, who once stood as pillars of trust, may become pawns in a game of manipulation. It’s so easy to buy into an idea that feels comfortable, something that aligns with what you already know, even if that idea is designed to hurt, control, or divide.
When we allow ourselves to be pulled into these conceptualized stories—stories designed to induce fear, plant doubt, or fuel conflict—we open the door to the body’s stress response. Cortisol spikes through the bloodstream as we navigate the emotional rollercoaster, instinctively reacting to the push-pull tactics designed to keep us on edge. The brain, bathed in a constant flood of stress hormones, loses its ability to think clearly, to pause, and to respond with awareness. We become trapped in cycles of reactive emotions, rather than standing firm in our truth.
Neurologically, these push-pull tactics can have lasting effects. When you are constantly being pulled in two directions—told one thing today, something entirely different tomorrow—the brain’s natural equilibrium is disrupted. This inconsistency, this emotional see-saw, can erode not only our relationships but our sense of self. The constant stress erodes mental resilience, leading to confusion, anxiety, and a fractured sense of belonging.
It is in these moments—when your mind feels under siege, when the lines between truth and manipulation blur—that we must turn inward, to that strength within our bones. That quiet, unbreakable core that has survived through generations. No matter what is said, no matter how others are convinced to believe a narrative spun to divide, you have the strength of your ancestors within you.
This is why it’s so important to be aware of where the information we are given is coming from. Not every familiar face has your best interest at heart. Not every voice of comfort carries truth. In these moments, it’s crucial to ask: What is the motivation behind this message? Who stands to gain if I believe it? Once you slow down and breathe past the cortisol spikes, you can begin to recognize what is real and what is simply a manipulative story.
Push-pull tactics can be dangerous. They prey on our deepest fears and insecurities, seeking to fracture our sense of stability and belonging. But when you anchor yourself in your inner strength, in the marrow-deep knowledge that you are more than the stories spun around you, you can stand tall against these manipulations. You can choose not to be pulled in, not to be divided, but to remain steadfast.
So for those who have faced this manipulation, who have been spun in circles by those they trusted, know this: you are strong. Your strength isn’t just in your mind—it’s in your bones. It has been passed down through generations, a gift of resilience that can withstand anything. No matter the noise around you, remember the quiet power within you, the power to stand firm in your truth.
