In today’s spotlight I would like to discuss the relationship between perception and the stressors in our lives. Whenever I ask someone about the stressor in their life there are certain answers that are common to almost everyone. That is, their job, money, the children, finances, misunderstandings, and money once again. Oh, there are also those habits we want to break, the weight we want to lose, issues around health and wellness, and so forth—but it seems for most people the daily stressors are all wrapped up in the job, family, and money.
Why These Stressors?
Think about that for a moment. Why should these be stressors? Why should I worry about money, employment, and/or family? Well the answer seems obvious—because aside from health, which we tend to take for granted until it’s lost, these three areas concern us most because they are so worrisome.
Okay, we now have a definition that goes like this, “I worry about family, money and job because they are worrisome and therefore worthy of worry.” Wow—by definition I have just created a new tautology—a new self-defining statement or term like a bachelor is an unmarried man.
What if I redefine my worries? I mean why can’t I? More over, why shouldn’t I? Changing our perception is an effective way to redefine almost anything. So how do I go about altering my perception?
Redefining/Reframing
One of the great advantages to mindfulness is that it insists on being present in the moment. Think about “in the moment.” In the moment I have a job and I can choose to be grateful for that. Not everyone has an income. In the moment, most of us have the money we need for right now. We have a roof over our heads and food in the cupboard. In the moment we have families to love and appreciate. In the moment—if I choose to be grateful for everything in my life—that one switch in my perception changes everything. Voilà, stress is gone!
Reframing our perception is one of the healthiest things we can do when it comes to improving the quality of our lives. Simply thinking of the person who cuts you off in traffic as needing to rush to the hospital because they have a bleeding child in the back seat, neutralizes all anger and aggression. My suggestion: think of the stressors in your life and make a conscious decision to reframe them, redefine them, and thus alter your perception. Change your perception and you’ll change your expectations and this will indeed change your life!
My thoughts anyway, what are yours?
As always, thanks for the read and I appreciate your feedback.
Eldon Taylor
Provocative Enlightenment Radio
NY Time Bestselling Author of Choices and Illusions
www.eldontaylor.com