Mirror Mirror on the Wall

"Other people are like a mirror which reflects back on us the image that we cast."

- Fulton J. Sheen

***

30-Second Timeout Talk:

When you look at other what do you see?  What are the things that you like or dislike about others?  You see, our view of the people in our world is actually a reflection of the way we view ourselves.

It’s easy to comprehend this notion when we see the positive traits in a person.  When we see the positive traits in others, it’s easy to embrace the concept that the positive traits we observe are a reflection of the traits we see in ourselves.  The concept is much more difficult to embrace when we see negative traits in others.   How could I possibly possess the same traits of people that annoy me? 

Look at it this way – our ego protects us from our true reality.  Nobody really wants to see them self in negative light.  It’s difficult to admit that we might have some work to do.  Hence, our ego projects these undesirable traits onto others.  You’re probably saying, “No way, I’m not like that.”  Oh but you are, you’re just not capable of seeing it because of projection.   Projection inhibits ownership!

  

You "can’t have your cake and eat it too": you can’t see a reflection of yourself in the people you admire and not see the reflection in those who annoy you.   If you want to see more positive reflections, embrace the fact that as humans we are imperfect – this includes you!  We all have work to do and growth should never stop.  No growth will ever occur until we take a good look at our life and take ownership of our shortcomings.  So the next time you have a negative reaction to someone don’t reflect and project;  instead, reflect and accept!

A mirror is an object that reflects an image of an object placed in front of it.  So when we look at others, remember that the reflection we see is intended to give us a glimpse of what our inner-self is really all about. 

Take a good, long, and deep look - Here’s to inner beauty!

It’s your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!

MJD

Everyone Has One

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice.”

- Steve Jobs

***

30-Second Timeout:

There once was a farmer who took his grandson to town on a donkey.  The grandson rode the donkey while the grandfather walked alongside the donkey.  A man passed by and said, "Look at the selfish boy making his grandfather walk."  The grandfather heard the comment and took the boy off the donkey.   The grandfather began riding the donkey while his grandson walked along side.  Then someone said, "Look at that selfish man making that little boy walk while he sits and rides. Hearing that, the grandfather pulled the little boy up with him and they rode the donkey together. Then somebody said, "How cruel of that man and little boy to place such a heavy load on that donkey."  By the time they got to town the grandfather and the grandson were carrying the donkey. 

The point of the story is that no matter what you do you're not going to please everybody.  People will view things from their own perspective and they're certainly entitled to their own opinion.  Don't live your life trying to please others.  It a lose-lose situation.  You rob yourself of creating your own happiness based upon a strategy this is doomed to fail from the very start!  Take heed of the wisdom of Dr. Seuss, who said, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Remember, everyone has an opinion.  It is neither right nor wrong.  It is simply a characterization of a person or an event based upon one's own values, beliefs, and experiences.  Hence, their opinion is not your reality.  Yes, everyone has the right to their opinion and you have the right to ignore it!

It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!

MJD