EXITING THE MATRIX, A Journey Towards Truth and Self-Realization

The world we live in often feels chaotic, overwhelming, and disconnected from our true selves. From the constant barrage of media to the pressures of consumerism and societal expectations, it’s easy to feel like we’re caught in a never-ending loop. But what if there was a way to break free from these distractions and rediscover who we truly are?

In this blog post, I’ll share my journey of “exiting the matrix”, which involved questioning everything, letting go of outdated habits, and reconnecting with a more profound sense of truth, purpose, and my belief in God. If you’re feeling disillusioned or simply want to live more authentically, maybe you, too, can find inspiration in my steps to regain control of my life.

The first step was the realization that I was living on autopilot. Television, mainstream media, processed junk food, and social events dominated my life in ways that I didn’t even notice at first. I was busy being a wife and mother. This was my life. I was often one of the leaders of the crowd, not questioning whether I was truly living the life I wanted. And for 43 years as a wife, I lived much of my life for others, conforming to the rules of society and being quite content, for the most part. Then we mutually decided to end the marriage, gracefully.

I stopped watching television when I got divorced 21 years ago.
It became clear that much of what I consumed on TV was designed to distract me, keep me passive, and feed into the status quo. I realized that by cutting this out, I could reclaim valuable time and mental energy for more meaningful pursuits.

I stopped believing in mainstream media and many of the fashionable progressive values.
Mainstream narratives often serve someone else’s agenda. I began questioning what I was being told and realized many new societal norms no longer resonated with my values. The traditions that built this country are being disparaged, while personal goals are being discouraged. And personal responsibility is a thing of the past.

During the covid craziness, I lost any remaining respect for or trust in mainstream media.I also lost faith in medicine and doctors in particular. It was shocking to have confirmation that these institutions were lying to the entire world at the behest of their owners and sponsors. I began looking for the facts, especially those they did not want us to find. It was not difficult to discover what was true, yet most people did not bother. Hence, there was a great divide between people who believed the hype and those who did not.

Breaking free wasn’t just about removing distractions; it was also about taking responsibility for my life and my health. I needed to reclaim my power. We are incredibly powerful, but most of us do not know we possess this within ourselves. I have known about this power since I was twenty or so, but it is still unweildy and uncertain at times. There is no owner’s manual. We all need to discover this for ourselves.

I stopped eating processed junk food, finally. I was never a fan of fast food, but I certainly ate a lot of prepared meals from Trader Joe’s or cheesy pasta dishes I could whip up quickly. My sweet tooth and love of ice cream used to be a real problem. Sugar is more addictive than most drugs.
Food is fuel, and I realized that the food I consumed directly impacted my physical and mental health. Recently, I switched to whole, clean, nourishing foods that energized me and supported my well-being. Many staples, such as mayonnaise, catsup, or salad dressing, can be made easily at home by me.
I stopped going to clubs decades ago. However, for many years my social life was full and often not focused on my wants. Now the parties I give and attend are the ones I really enjoy.

I had spent years chasing after experiences that left me feeling empty. I realized I was using social gatherings as a way to escape from facing my own emotions and purpose. Perhaps they also helped distract me from some problems in my marriage. Now, I choose to seek connection in more meaningful, enriching ways.

The real work began when I started looking inward and questioning everything I had previously accepted. I started questioning the lies of society. I changed my mind.
I was no longer content with accepting things at face value. I began to explore alternative viewpoints, learn from diverse sources, and critically analyze the systems and structures around me.
I started searching for truth. It is NOT easy to find among the weeds and quicksand of today’s societal norms.
This was the most important shift. I realized that truth wasn’t something handed to me by the media or authority figures like doctors, professors or political leaders; it was something I needed to seek out for myself.

I could finally focus on myself with all the distractions out of the way.
I started working on improving myself. I began taking an active role in my personal development—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether through journaling, therapy, or simply reflecting on my goals, I made a conscious effort to grow.
Years and years ago, I started meditating, reading great literature, and watching documentaries to improve my mind. Looking at the many books in my bookshelves when I had been married about 4 or 5 years, I realized they were mostly trashy novels. But there were so many. I realized I could have been reading great books instead. I determined to improve my library and began reading those classics which has not been part of my school curriculum. It upped my game, considerably.

Meditation helps me quiet my mind and tune into my true self. Reading opened my eyes as an adolescent to new perspectives and sparked my curiosity to learn more about the world beyond mainstream narratives. Watching documentaries is short-hand learning, but it works.

One of the most profound shifts came when I started reconnecting with the natural world and listening to my inner voice.
I always loved going out in nature. As a child I played outside all the time. Climbing trees, playing cowboys and Indians, anything outdoors made me feel alive. I used to ride all the time and soak in the beauty around me while enjoying myself. Now I try to get outside and breathe the fresh country air every day, even if it is 20 minutes in the early morning.
Spending time in nature allows me to ground myself, find peace, and reconnect with what truly matters. Nature is my sanctuary, a place where I can heal and reflect. Do you sometimes hear that soft voice suggesting positive actions to you? Listen, that voice is speaking to you directly. Being outside, perhaps laying in a hammock or walking in the grass, picking magnolia leaves from one of my many Magnolia trees, are all places where that quiet voice finds me.

I started realizing my true nature over time. It cost me some old friendships, which made me sad. We are all different, and I welcome the differences, but many people wish to be free from the influence of those who think differently.
With all the noise and distractions removed, I began to rediscover who I truly am, not the person society tried to shape me into. Not even the person I once thought I was, but the person I had always been underneath, a bit of a rebel.

The journey to exit the matrix is not easy, and it’s not a one-time decision; it’s a constant process of questioning, evolving, listening, praying, and seeking truth. But long ago, I learned that you begin to find your own path when you stop following the crowd. If you feel lost or overwhelmed, remember this: You don’t have to follow the trends or conform to societal pressures. Your true self is waiting for you to wake up to it. In many ways, my childhood was so sheltered and my parents so emphatic about what was proper and what was not, that it was incredibly difficult for me to break out. I married young and began a family immediately, fulfilling me in many ways. But I needed to find freedom in following my own rules and relying on myself, guided by my Higher Power.

If you’re ready to step out of the matrix, take it one step at a time. Start questioning, start seeking, and most importantly, start listening to yourself. Believe in yourself. You can do it. I bet you can!

Copyright©. 2025 Bonnie B. Matheson