You can learn a lot about someone based on their conversation. I was in Wal-Mart the other day, just running around with Aria. A lady walked by talking to another lady and chuckled, “I love to see when dads suffer for a change.”
Hmmm..
I was running behind Aria, keeping her from puling things from the shelves, pushing the shopping cart and talking on the phone simultaneously but I would not come anywhere near calling it suffering. I was actually having a good time.
I would say with 99.9% certainty that this woman lives what “I” would consider a miserable life.
Why?
Because people talk about what they’re thinking about…or what their perception of things are.
You’ve heard the phrase, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” It’s so true. It’s all about perception.
She saw what I was going through as ‘suffering’ because SHE would have felt that way about HER experience.
What are some of the things you think about and talk about that you’re imposing ‘suffering’ on yourself.
Do you plop down on the couch after work and say, “I’m dead tired!” ?
When you’re feeling ill, do you declare, “I’m as sick as a dog!” ?
Practical Application
There are tons of phrases we use freely that impose suffering on ourselves.
Be aware of the things you’re saying about yourself and others. Make sure they’re the phrases that are attractin what you want and not what you don’t want.
This is a great reminder. We really have to catch ourselves in how we think and what comes out of our mouths!
Interesting post my friend. It’s amazing on how one thing can be perceived different ways. But I have a saying that goes: “Happiness is only One Thought Away”, meaning that happiness may be a feeling, but it starts with the initial thought of being happy. You were happy to be in that situation, why? Your thinking that’s way. You didn’t see it as suffering, so it wasn’t suffering. When people begin to realize that “Happiness is only One Thought Away”, they can begin to take control of those thoughts, feeling, emotions, and reap the results (TFAR) they desire. I want to share for the readers here this Article. I also just read another Article that I thought was mind blowing!! Hope you enjoy them!
Ed
It’s true that one’s perception of a situation dictates how they FEEL about the situation. And one’s belief system dicates their perception. If someone feels that people are always trying to pull one over on them, then it’s likely that they are trying to do the same. Since it is their mindset, they are always looking for indicators in other people.
One day I was having a rough morning at work and I went to run some errands an thought “I’m just going to look for beauty in my surroundings for a little bit”. So I started noticing the trees and flowers by the street and starting seeing things in that area I never knew existed even though I’m there every day. In no time I had changed my day completely.
Lloyd
The practical advice, “Be aware of the things you’re saying about yourself and others. Make sure they’re the phrases that are attraction what you want and not what you don’t want,” is true in getting business success as well.
I have many clients who I “retrain” what they say to help them be more successful.
Great post! This is very helpful. I’m sure I’d visit your site more often. Anyway, you can drop by my favorite online hang out too, at UK Student Community. Thanks!
What a great example of different perceptions! Men and women are different in how they view their duties anyhow. I can see how she would see your situation in such a way. Women in general are overworked and overwhelmed and in that position speaking on the phone, pushing a cart and chasing a 2 year old is definitely stressful. Her husband or partner is probably complaining when he has to do what you called fun. I know my husband often feels his efforts are not appreciated, especially when it comes to kids. I only look at it as, when you are out of vortex everything is hard. For you seem to be in the vortext and having fun in your life. Way to go! “Life is supposed to be fun and when it’s not something is screwy” -Abraham