Consider This.........................

In order to take steps forward, ease struggles and connect with others….I believe we must stay open minded! Definitely easier said than done…but worth giving a try just the same. Here’s an idea to think about.

See the difference.png

Consider this….when in a stressful situation think about which “lens” you are “seeing” it through! From personal experience I can share that I have viewed troubling matters through an “anxious lens”. By doing so I am skewing the results or interpretation of the situation. It’s about control….I’m working on it.

An example for me that is very stressful, is being on the highway, as a passenger. (don’t even think I would be driving it… but someday I will) Recently on our way home from Connecticut, with a just purchased 20 year old slide in camper in our pick up truck, I cringed, squirmed and winced with every noise, bump and sway. Through my “anxious lens” I anticipated crashes and doom!

Thankfully, I have learned to ease the anxious thoughts by switching over to a “realistic lens” to view stressful scenarios through. Yes, I still have the thoughts, and this “getting the camper home” project was certainly right up there…… have we updated our will….would we be able to get to the side of the highway if not killed instantly. I switched over to the “realistic lens” and assured myself my husband is a prudent driver, the camper is secure, what are the chances anything will happen and my ole reliable Mom still says the prayer of protection over her loved ones, right?

Picture if you will, similar to when you are fitted for prescription eye glass lenses. The optometrist will scroll through a number of lens choices saying “how about this one? and this one, or maybe this one? “

Try that same approach when confronted with a difficult situation, person or challenge. Consider yourself flipping lenses to see the same situation differently through another lens? See through compassion, empathy, rational…there’s so many lenses to consider. Often times it will provide confidence, calm and the skills to take a step to ease the chaos, challenge or obstacle.

Here’s the thing Dear Readers, I am of the reassuring belief that when life is heavy, overwhelming and scary, we can take a breath and adjust our internal lens. It’s amazing all we can see.

Perhaps you’ve had to switch your lens, when reading this about me.

Smiles, Maria