Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and Chicago. While I was there, I was amazed that the friends I made along my journey seemed to have completely different observations of the state in which they lived. For example, when I asked what the winters were like in their town, I got completely opposite answers from people, depending on where they originally lived. When I asked the question of a former Californian, she talked as if shed landed in Siberia, recounting the snowfall and treacherous conditions meant for only the wildest of beasts. When I asked the same question of a native resident, he painted a beautiful picture of the changing seasons, each more spectacular than the last, and recounted wonderful memories of having the fortune to grow up in such a picturesque land. Whats the difference here? Their perception dictated their experience. Its like the old stories about a bank robbery. The event could take place in broad daylight, with 30 eyewitnesses, yet each gives a completely different account of what he or she saw happen. Its like when someone in your office or home says something to you, and you receive a different message than the person intended. Why does this happen? I believe its because Our perception determines our experience. It works like this. I bet at one time or another weve all gone into a grocery store and noticed that everyone seemed happy, helpful, and cheery that day. Even the people in the checkout line were full of good spirits. Yet, when weve gone another day, weve had a completely different experience. We found people to be grumpy and in a bad moodevery one of them. I believe we view our outside world the same way we see ourselves in our inside world. Thats why many people continually attract drama into their lives while others do not, or why some people get into fights all the time while others refuse to let the same situation get the best of them. If this is true, it explains a lot. It could be why, when we feel out of place and chaotic on the inside, we tend to attract more chaos and drama to our outside self. If we feel anger and resentment on the inside, we will, in turn, attract it to our outer world as well. With that said, let me ask you the following question: Hows your outside world looking lately? Are the people around you happy and productive? Are they full of life and passion, or do you find yourself in your own little tornado that seems to constantly bring nothing but negative energy your way? In other words, does it seem like everyone around you has problems and can never catch a so-called break? Remember, in life you have choices. You have the choice to work on your inner self, to create a brighter outer self. Have you ever seen someone whos lost some weight and noticed that they seem to have a new glow? Or looked into someones eyes just after their first child was born? Theres a spark there, right? Well, heres the good news. You have the ability to re-spark yourself. Heres this months challenge: Take notice. Thats it. Im not asking you to do anything but become aware of how youre viewing things around you. By doing so, youll find that when youre at your happiest, everyone else around you will be as well. On the flip side, if you want to know why the world seems to be crashing in on you, look inside and see whats out of place, and then take action to repair it. Its that simple. Because when its all said and done, Our perception determines our experience. ************************************ You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to: GregReid@AlwaysGood.com |
