Five ordinary students are sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture. A student picks up his mobile phone and begins pressing its keys. His fellow classmates notice and each makes a judgment.
Classmate #1 thinks – Disrespectful jerk; he should have waited until after class to text.
Classmate #2 thinks – It must be urgent. Why else would he do that? I hope everything is okay.
Classmate #3 thinks – I’ve lost my touch, I can’t even get this guy to notice me. His phone is more interesting than me.
Classmate #4 thinks – What a crappy phone! I’m surprised it still works. My phone is so much better. This guy is a loser.
The lecturer thinks – My lecture is horrible, I can’t keep people’s attention. That guy doesn’t like me.
What do you think of the key clicking student?
Did you guess that he was taking notes on the lecture? He was.
So goes the way we move through the world. Neutral events happen all the time and we, wholly influenced by our pasts, beliefs, insecurities and personalities, decide what they mean. Every person sees through their own unique lens and, using what they see, weaves the fabric of their life. It’s all in our heads.
Our beliefs are so strong that we think we “know” what people think and why they say and do things. We do not know, we cannot know.
Nonetheless, we observe neutral events and invariably color them with negativity, self rejection and judgment. Paradoxically, the beginning of true understanding is the admission that we do not know why another person does anything. They, like us, are living in the confines of their world of experiences, insecurities and beliefs. Whatever they do is a reaction to their particular perceptions of life.
We will never see the world accurately. It is unrealistic to believe that we can reach a place of pure neutrality of perception. What we can do, however is recognize that everyone is living their own story and their judgments and actions cannot be taken personally. Nothing others do is because of us, they are projecting their own reality.
Set yourself free. Only you define yourself; no one else can.
Choose to color your life with self appreciating thoughts. See yourself as precious; honor yourself. Acknowledge that everyone is witnessing the world through their unique make up and consciously work to make your perspective one of love and positivity.
The mind you view the world with will define the life you live.
I love this picture…It's so fitting to the topic and that frustrating feeling of "I wish the voices (thoughts) in my head would be quiet!" 🙂
You’ve got some pretty good voices, Tiff.
Such a simple, yet powerful story!
Thank you! Btw, I enjoyed myself over at http://www.cluelessme.com – I think Sukkahs are beautiful and kinda chic.
Cynthia
That was just what I needed to read, thank you so much 🙂
love it, sharing…
This is one if my favorites!
Fabulous and so accurate!
The kid looks like Richard Simmons PIMP!!
What a doll face!
Jewelsbertrand.com
She’s adorable!
Ahhh. The stories we create! Commented on the blog re: a funny story.
Awww what a cutie pie <3 Love this pic.
She’s adorable!
I’m so lovin’the story….
It’s like it’s SURE REAL…it’s Happening…..
I thought he was recording it or putting it on YouTube lol his classmates suck tho
Yay! I had the right impression of the scenario. It’s just a good day though 😉 great message! 🙂
Haven’t read the post yet because I need to get to bed, but what a beautiful child! Still praying for you to have strength and for healing for your family. Thinking about you <3 xx
Your words are a blessing and inspiration to me. I’m committed to paying it forward.
” I didn’t mean to. It was an accident!” Si