The Weekly Word

The Weekly Word

"Perspective"
July 8, 2002

Do you realize how special you are right now at this very moment?

Are you happy? Please share your thoughts.

Whether or not you are happy or sad, it's all a matter of perspective.

Think about it. Right now, at this very moment, what specifically makes you happy?

And on the other side, what could you focus on right now that will make you feel sad?

Your perspective is the ultimate decision maker.

I once asked a friend, "Are you happy?"

He looked straight at me and smiled. And then he said, "Marlon, I am definitely happy because any day above ground is a great day."

This is an AWESOME perspective to have.

So do you look at your life from a similar perspective?

You may be thinking, "Ok, Marlon, so now you want me to be happy-go-lucky, smiling like everything is great and that is just not realistic."

Well, let me ask you a question, "What is reality?" What is your definition of this word?

To me, in simple terms, "Perception is reality."

This explains why two people can experience the exact same situation and yet, have two different perspectives. One feels great about it while the other person feels terrible.

A story of two men working for a construction company illustrates this point.

Two men had the exact same job of laying bricks. A high school student was hired during his summer break. He asks one of the men, "How do you feel about your job?" The man replies with anger, "I hate it. I'm just laying bricks." A few hours later, the boy meets the other man and asks the same question, "How do you feel about your job?" With a smile on his face, the man responds with, "I love it! I'm laying the foundation for my future."

Years later, after graduating from college, the boy returns to the construction company and sees the first man whom he met. The man is in the same position, laying bricks. The boy approaches the man and initiates a conversation. The boy does not see the other man so he asks, "Where is your friend who was also laying bricks years ago?"

The man stops and says, "Oh, he's gone from one promotion to another. And now he is the marketing vice president."

So remember, your perspective dictates your reality. And with this being the case, look for reasons to be happy rather then reasons to be sad.

It's Your Perspective; It's Your Life!

Marlon

The Archived Words

Challenges
July 1, 2002

Be
June 10, 2002

Commitment
June 3, 2002

Services
May 27, 2002

Now
May 24, 2002

Priorities
May 20, 2002

Mom
May 12, 2002