Happy Friday!

Quote of the day:

 “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Okay, when I’m inspired to write, I just have to, so truly Happy Thursday! I had so much fun (as I always do) coming up with this weeks message as I found many brilliant quotes on perception, so many in fact, that I will add them into the quotes post on the Positive Focus message board.

Knowing that it is your choice on how you perceive anything in your life is so incredibly empowering. How fun is that that you get to choose?

You get to choose to see it as happy or sad.

You get to choose to see it as a challenge to rise above or an impossible hurdle.

You get to choose to enjoy your time in your car perhaps listening to great tunes on your commute to work, or choose to get aggravated with the traffic.

You get to choose to see the rain nourishing life or choose to see it ruined your golf game.

Whatever your choice is, enjoy it and own it as yours. A great example of perception that I have succumbed to myself is: Chicago, any year: March 10 – the sun is out and it’s 50 degrees – people are running on the lakeshore in shorts and tee-shirts and the weather conversations center around the anticipation that spring and summer are on there way. Days are longer, life is bright.Chicago, any year: September 10 – the sun is out and it’s 50 degrees – people have warmer clothing on and the weather conversations center around summer is over, get ready for snow. Days are shorter, life could be perceived as dreary.

What a rich word perception is! Just by changing your perceptions of any situation, gives you complete control over how you want to be in this world. If your current reality is such that reframing your perception is a bit challenging, here are a few suggestions that I invite you to consider:

First and foremost, take a step back from the situation and BREATHE. Take in some deep breaths and calm your mind, knowing that if you choose, this experience is a catalyst to a better feeling and place in life.

Secondly, perhaps see the situation as it happening to a loved one. I find it easy to elevate other people’s feelings to make them feel better. So think of how you would help a loved one see another angle to the situation.

Thirdly, simply know that whatever state of feeling you are in right at this very moment is where you need to be. It’s growth, it’s inspiration, it’s contrast, it’s simply A-OKAY. You are exactly where you are supposed to be at this very moment and will be exactly where you need to be in the next moment – it’s your choice – your perception.

Looking for a way to stay empowered? Make sure to surround yourself with people who lift you up, inspire you, support you, and simply love to laugh and have fun.

Have a fantastic weekend and until next time.

All My Best, Carol