Day 27 – Reflections While Standing on My Hands

27 Elul 5775
by Scott Friedman
Some people believe our experiences shape our attitudes. I believe the opposite is true – attitudes shape our experiences. For example, even when two people see, hear, touch, taste, or smell something at the exact same moment, they are likely to have at least two opinions of what they experienced. The experience was identical, but the way the people interpreted the experience was different because their attitudes were different.

The following story, which I did not write, emphasizes this point. The story uses the same set of words no matter who reads it, but the meaning of the story changes depending on how it is read.  As you reflect upon your past, and plan your future, consider the possibility your attitude shapes your experiences.

Reflections While Standing on My Hands

This year was the absolute worst year ever

And don’t try to convince me that

There’s something good in every day

Because, when you take a closer look,

This world is a pretty evil place.

Even if

Some goodness does shine through once in a while

Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.

And it’s not true that

It’s all in the mind and heart

Because

True happiness can be obtained

Only if one’s surroundings are good

It’s not true that goodness exists

I’m sure you can agree that

The reality

Creates

My attitude

It’s all beyond my control

And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that

This year was a good year

Now read the reflection for the bottom to the top

 

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