My work has me with people, one on one, for an hour or so at a time. A year or so ago I decided I might be able to help some of my more brainwashed clients start to think for themselves.
The best way to do that, I’ve found, is like you said. I don’t approach the subject like we are two different sides, but instead find points they make that are close to the truth and help nudge them a little more towards opening their eyes. It’s actually been pretty successful and it really makes me feel like I’m doing some good in the world.
I don’t want them to agree with whatever I think, I just want to to start actually looking at facts instead of going off emotion and bad information.
I feel you!
I’m 6 years clean from the hard stuff and have had a similar experience. Like who am I? What do I like? I basically got to reinvent myself.
I learned many hard lessons during my dark years, and I decided to use that to my advantage now. I’ve been through hell, so I don’t get fazed by anything at this point!
I’m a 36 year old guitar-playing video-gaming family man! Live life and just enjoy being you whoever you are!