“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.”
~Anaïs Nin

We are the lens through which we see the world.

When we’re in a good place, somehow the world seems to be a good place. When we are in a positive mood, feeling sure of ourselves or graced by the universe, suddenly the sunshine seems brighter, the birds are singing more beautifully, and the sky is a glorious color…even when it’s cloudy!

But when we’re down and discouraged, when whatever is bothering us is really bothering us, we seem to miss the sunshine and the bird songs and the glorious sky, even when they’re right in front of us.

The same person who seems so helpful and thoughtful one day, appears to be an idiot the next. The problem which seemed challenging and exciting is daunting. Or impossible. The boss/partner/friend/child/colleague whom we couldn’t wait to spend time with and talk to, we now can’t wait to get away from.

Often the only thing that’s changed is us.

We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are. When we’re in a good space, things look good. When we’re hurting or angry or frustrated or sore, the same things look bad.

Has it dawned on you that we have a bit of control about this?

We can remember that we see the world – the people, the situations, the challenges, the joys – through our own lenses. The team member who drives us crazy? Chances are we’re looking at him through at least somewhat crazy eyes. How can we see him differently? The team we want to walk away from? The boss we can’t stand? The rainy, grey day that’s bringing us down? We have the choice – the Thoughtful choice – to change how we are…and therefore change how we see things.

How have you seen things as you are? How can you see things differently?
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If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.


To see things differently, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.

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