(Madisyn Taylor)
The meaning we assign to our experiences––whether pleasant or distressing––is a very powerful factor in determining the quality of our lives. What we imagine events to mean will colour the way we feel about ourselves, about the people in our lives, and about the world at large. If we want to encourage a positive outlook, well-being, and a sense of self-confidence and even trust in the universe, we can begin by assigning more peaceful, loving meanings to what we experience.
Imagine, for example, that a friend fails to show up to a lunch date. You have choices as to what you will make this experience mean for you. You could allow being "stood up" to reinforce your feelings of unworthiness, you could begin to mentally attack your friend's character, or you could assume that something big must have happened to cause them to miss the date - then, you might open yourself up to enjoying some relaxing time alone.
When we begin to bring consciousness to what we are making things mean, we may be shocked at the messages we have been feeding ourselves all these years. Try taking the reins and begin assigning a kinder meaning to the events in your life and you will likely find yourself on a much more pleasant ride.
My Thoughts:
I always try to see the positive in everything, or at least look at it from a balance perspective, but I do tend to take things personally, especially if I have been negative about something and then it all goes wrong anyway.
If I turn-up for something and no one else bothers my first reaction is to berate myself about setting myself up again when others are not bothered or as committed. I am often angry about the waste of my time or feel put-on (again) that things have been left to just me (again).
The big question is … would I want to be any other way?
The answer is … no.
I do not want to be the type of person that will promise to do something and then doesn’t.
I do not want to be the kind of person that others know will let them down.
I do not want to be the killjoy that refuses to participate in anything.
I do get miffed when things that are agreed with others are left to me and will moan that I am never letting it happen again … but I do (all the time) and I know that will never change.