Someone told me yesterday that my world sounds so easy, so fun. She even went on to say she wished she had my life. I took it as a compliment--as it was--but I had to laugh. My life, really? If she only knew...!
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." -- Abraham Lincoln
It's all about perspective. I don't lead any more of a charmed life than the next (nor am I any worse for the wear than the next). I am simply learning the art of reframing. Like when we snap a photo of a beautiful nature scene, and notice it's not centered, or an unwanted object is marring the setting, we open our photo editing software and crop to get a new perspective. In reality, the undesirables are still there but we've reframed it, so our focus is on the beauty instead of the blemishes.
We must do the same to live a beautiful life.
This month I'll admit I've experienced an enviable lifestyle. I have drunk in the scandalous scent of lavender and lilacs, watched the orange-pink sun rise in the morning's first light, and squinted in the glimmer of sun rays dancing on a shimmering lake. I have heard the sweet harmonies of my daughter's voices and watched their speedy legs run across the finish line to victory. I've spent enjoyable evenings with dear, sweet elderly women and laughed at their stories of days gone by. I've relaxed by the turquoise pool at my cozy apartment, baked warm, fresh homemade bread and enjoyed drinks on a patio with a dear friend. I've spent quiet, peaceful alone time on a long morning run contemplating life and the exciting options spread before me. I received a surprise refund from my cable company. On Mother's Day, I hiked along a sparkling stream with my girls and saw two magnificent moose in the wilderness of a national park. Yes, it's been a month to be coveted.
Yet in this very same month, I inhaled a lot of second-hand pot smoke (not my favorite thing in the world), which wafts up from our inconsiderate neighbors below. I could only get a glimpse of the sunrise for the tall concrete buildings that block my morning view, and watched discarded Styrofoam cups floating on the surface of a dirty lake. I heard my daughters declare they felt ugly and watched them cry with disappointment after not performing as well as they'd hoped in their races. I've spent exhausting evenings with frail, old ladies who admitted they are ready to die. I lived in a cramped apartment with an overcrowded pool full of screaming kids and slept in a too-small twin bed that made my back ache. I baked my own bread in attempt to save money because I was worried about bills. I felt lonely, doubted my purpose in life, and felt fat while attempting a slow morning run. I got a notice that I owed more than I thought on a credit card bill. On Mother's Day I spent the entire morning alone while my girls took their stepmother out to brunch.
Same month. Same events. Two perspectives.
"If we only tune in to the ugly parts of our lives, which we all experience from time to time, what an ugly life we'll lead!"
Realistic optimism is a competency of emotional intelligence and something we can all learn. It isn't about pretending tough times don't exist or being a naive Pollyanna; it's learning to hone in on the positive and not on the parts of life that drag us down. It's easier to do the latter, trust me, as I've spent hours, days, and weeks over the years wallowing in my miseries. The difficulty of our struggles can feel so heavy that they diminish our ability to see clearly. But no matter how dark it may look, remember that right alongside those woes is a world of wonder. To 'see' requires a shift of focus.
I have friends whose daughter is in a battle for her life, and in each moment they don't know if she is going to make it. I have another friend who has lost use of her legs, racked with pain, and can't get outside to see the pink blossoms on the springtime trees. Yet all three of these saints somehow remain positive and joyful. Their noble, hope-infused mindset inspires me beyond words.
“Life is like a sandwich! Birth as one slice, and death as the other. What you put in between the slices is up to you. Is your sandwich tasty or sour?" -- Allan Rufus
As you tumble out of bed on this fresh, new morning, and begin to go about your day, get out your editing software! Refuse to let the negatives define your day or even worse, your life. Of course your trials are heavy and difficult. I know. But beauty and blessings are right there too, light and lovely, awaiting your discovery. Now is as good as time as any to begin to learn how to reframe so you can get busy living a beautiful life.
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