Goin front of a mirror and take a good look at yourself, at your appearance, at the way you stand but, most of all, to the expression of your face. Now ask yourself these questions: Am I happy with myself? Am I satisfied with my life, my job, my family situation, my social condition, my friends? Do I sincerely believe that all that surrounds me contributes to make my life happier? Do I trust people or do I think that most of them lie in wait, ready to fool or hurt me? Do I appreciate what I have, believing that it is enough, or do I usually perceive myself in a state of lack?
Do you feel that you are always looking for something, that the circumstances in your life are never favorable enough, that your needs are not met as much as you would like? Try to detect if you are often anxious, suspicious, if it is possible that you never learned how to relax, that you keep complaining that things are not going your way — at least not all the time!
Examining yourself — and being very honest about your findings — is all you are endeavoring to do here. To think “creatively” means just this: to accept the idea that it might be better to change something in your way of thinking because — in so doing — you will improve the quality of your life. It is not always easy to clearly see the impact that your ways of relating to the people you daily deal with, has not only on your but also on their lives.
More than once have we talked about the necessity of looking at situations from a different perspective, from a standpoint that differs from your usual one. If you are not totally happy with the situation you are presently finding yourself in, it is not impossible to find a solution. How? By changing direction. Instead of keeping on climbing the hill of dissatisfaction, decide to abandon it once and for all, and move up to the mountain of contentment. The view is wonderful from up there, your sight expands in all directions and you become able to perceive things in a different way.
The higher you reach, the better you see. The horizon is larger, your perception reaches wider realities, newer possibilities of “being”. The problems that seemed like insurmountable boulders have become like pebbles that your foot can easily throw aside. They do not bother you any more, because more interesting things attract your attention.
Dimensions have been altered: you are now capable of interpreting a kind word that was spoken to you in a different way. Instead of just hearing it (and possibly ignoring or immediately forgetting it) you now perceive it as a star shining in your new sky. The smile of a child, a perfectly baked cake, a tidy room, a task in your office that was carried out efficiently, a word of thanks from your spouse or child, a funny joke, a fragrant cup of coffee, an unexpected green light, a friend who is punctual for an appointment: there are so many tiny things you never paid “real” attention to!
If you take the time to think about all this, you can learn to understand that absolutely everything that happens in your life is important, and it can help make your daily routine more cheerful and serene.
Challenges are there all right, and they must be faced. Nevertheless, instead of complaining and making a big deal out of them, start “doing” something. You will soon realize that it is “never” the end of the world and that your attitude is the element able to change any situation for the better. Attempt to minimize the negative and maximize the positive, enjoy the little pleasures your life is full of. The path of appreciation will take you straight to more fulfilling experiences. Do not ignore any treats, no matter how small, but savor them like sweets. In the famous 1994 movie “Forrest Gump”, his mother tells him, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get.” Nevertheless, even if their taste might be different, they are still good, aren’t they? It’s still “chocolate”!
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