It’s All In How You See
Do you ever stop and wonder why some people have the ability to see the glass half full while others only see the empty space?
Perception is our way of understanding, becoming aware of, or interpreting something through our senses and impressions.
The basis of psychology seeks to understand the myriad reasons for the differences in perception, and the variables that contribute to them are extensive. From childhood environment to belief systems to genetics and traumatic events - these factors and many more create the lens through which we see the world.
As a coach, I witness daily the influence perception has on a person’s experiences, outcomes and overall quality of life. Clients who view life optimistically reap the most rewards for their efforts, as they see obstacles as opportunities and failure as teachable moments. They take advantage of the hard and the good and make it all work in their favor.
The people who come with a negative or victim mentality tend see life as working against them and struggle with taking full responsibility over their choices and therefore, their outcomes. They feel helpless and fail to recognize their own sense of power in any given situation.
The truth is that we always have the power to choose our own reality.
There have been points in my life where I find myself clear, confident and in control of how I choose to make sense of my reality. In those times it’s easy to find gratitude for the simple pleasures and see only abundance in the world.
And then there are times when I allow fear to take over my thoughts which casts a shadow of doubt, confusion, and a bleak future into my view. Feelings of helplessness encompass my mind and I begin to feel like life is happening TO me, beyond my control.
Yet regardless of external circumstances, I still have control of my own mind and therefore my own sense of freedom.
We all sometimes forget our own sense of agency and need the gentle reminder that we can still decide what to see and how to show up to life. Embracing this truth not only opens up space to step into our power but also sparks enthusiasm toward taking another leap forward in living the life we deeply desire.
“If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.” - William Blake
