February 27th, 2012
Wear Glasses. To Stop Being Jaded About Life.
We all know that life is full of ups and downs. People tell us that all the time. But yet, sometimes there are so many downs that an up feels nowhere in sight.
And when that happens, what are we supposed to do? I mean…all the inspirational quotes give us clues…be in the moment, have faith, be kind to yourself. And yes. Those are all true. But what else can we do?
This question was asked by a reader “John” who wrote in:
“How does one keep from getting jaded by the negative events in his/her life?”
And this is such a great questions. When it rains, it pours. And sometimes it feels like life is pouring for way too long of a time. What are we supposed to do then?
The first thing that came to my mind is perspective. I define perspective as the glasses we wear through which we are currently viewing our life. In this question, I’m going to assume that “John” views his circumstances as “negative.” That whatever is happening for him feels like something bad or undesirable. And as long as he is wearing “negative” glasses, everything is going to look and feel that way.
Sometimes in our lives “negative” things have positive outcomes later on. And thus, aren’t actually negative. It’s the way we view them that makes them that way.
So perhaps, the next time you’re feeling jaded about the “negative” things in your life, try on some different glasses. See the lessons or beauty in whatever is happening. And even if it seems so impossible to fathom, beauty is everywhere.
A hard situation may cause personal growth. Or may bring you closer to an old friend. Or may challenge you to draw on strength you never knew existed. Or maybe it’s just setting you up for something amazing to happen in the future. We never know. But what we do know, is that as long as we’re wearing “negative” glasses, life will look that way.
My challenge for John and for all of us is to try on some different glasses this week. Different ways of viewing our lives. And don’t just fake try…really try. Ok? (Cuz I’m watching you and I’ll know the difference).
Leave a comment below and let us know: Have you ever had this experience? Do you agree? What glasses are you currently wearing? And what glasses would you like to try on?
I’ll start…I’m currently wearing “I’ll never have what I want” glasses. And I’d like to try on “I’m already creating my ideal life in everything I do” glasses. Whew…that feels better.
Now you go.
*These are my “life is an adventure” glasses.
You ready to stop being jaded and start LIVING that unique, fun and exciting life you’ve been dreaming about? If you were nodding along (which I know you were…you lil #wildheart, you) then the Wildheart Revolution is for you. There is BIG NEWS happening very soon about the Revolution, so make sure you’re on the list to get notified the second the news is revealed.
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Great post, Sally! Wish I could go back in time and give myself some different perspective glasses. The time I felt the most alone due to a crazy string of “unfair, horrible, why is this happening to me” incidents actually ended up being the exact way I met my incredible husband :) I was in the right place at the right time but it certainly didn’t seem that way to me then.
Great post, Sally! Wish I could go back in time and give myself some different perspective glasses. The time I felt the most alone due to a crazy string of “unfair, horrible, why is this happening to me” incidents actually ended up being the exact way I met my incredible husband I was in the right place at the right time but it certainly didn’t seem that way to me then.
Thank you lady. It’s so crazy because IN the moments, we can’t possibly imagine what good can come out of them. It’s only in retrospect that it makes sense. Hopefully though, some different glasses will help peeps in the meantime. And btw…loved seeing you and your hubs this weekend. LOVE!
I have my “life is a beautiful work in process” even though it’s so crazy right now…
Ahhh I LOVE that perspective. What does life look like through those glasses?
Ahhh I LOVE that perspective. What does life look like through those glasses?
Simultaneousity is what I’m calling it, because right as I finished reading this, I got a phone call about a job in a posh beachy California town. (And it is almost 7pm here, and past time when I would usually get such calls, just to add to the dramatic effect!) Just prior, I was thinking, I need to take off these “Why does it seem like everything keeps fucking up?’ glasses and put on some ‘Ok, I trust the Universe to provide for me.’ glasses. It was weird, because it was scary-quick, and the phone rang. I am highly impressed with your instant-gratification Mojo, missy. Or ours, I guess, because I am trying to own my own shit. There is very little doubt in my mind that this is EXACTLY what I have been looking for.
WOW!!! It is so amazing how quickly your new glasses worked!! You’re awesome for trying, and now you know it works. Anytime you’re feeling stuck or shitty, try on a new pair. You got this!
Love it, girl! I think I have been wearing the “I’ll never have what I want” glasses, too! I’m gonna retire these – totally the wrong prescription these days :) And I’m gonna put on my “I am creating my ideal life and trusting the Universe to provide” glasses (thanks Sally and Diana for the inspiration there!) I just wrote this prescription at the top of my planner for the week (week 9 of the year…a very auspicious number!) so that I will see it and keep these glasses firmly in place :)
Love to ALL <3
Violet
Whoa girl. Okay, not even an hour after I switched my glasses I received a phone call with hands-down some of the best news I could possibly hear! I’m still crying with joy. Think I jumped onto yours and Diana’s instant-gratification mojo train! Thank you!!
xoxo
Whoa dude!!!!! CONGRATS!! And you are way more powerful than you know. That is amazing. Send me an email with the deets.
Yeah…we can throw our old glasses in the same pile together. Where they’ll live with “i’m not good enough” and “i’m not doing it right” glasses.
Sally – this was a great post – and a great lesson that is SO IMPORTANT for ust o remember because everyone goes through those “shit is happening and it wont stop happening” phases in their lives.
I spent most of 2011 not quite feeling “jaded”, but just feeling STUCK. It was hands down because I wore the wrong glasses. I finally switched to some Ray Bans or something a couple months ago and apparently the branding worked because I’ve got a totally new outlook on all the ‘negative bullshit’. I’ve got my “life is an adventure” glasses on. And the thing about adventures is nots not one until something goes wrong – and sometimes it can be for the best. :)
I’m sure this post will help a lot of people who are in the middle of it! Cheers to sharing it!
– Laur
Oh girl…I TOTALLY know those glasses well. And you’re right! Just switching to adventure and all the beauty that comes along with that makes such a huge difference. I cant wait to see what your adventure glasses bring. Very exciting things, methinks.
Sweet advice Sally, so simple and so affective. I’m gonna try and switch my glasses right now (and yup, I’m gonna try really really hard!).
Do it girl!! I’ve been trying on mine all day. Let us know how it goes. :)
Thank You Sally! I am currently taking off my “If I have to study for one more second my head is going to explode” glasses, and putting on my “only 8 more weeks of school before I graduate” glasses. There is a light at the end of this tunnel, look at that :)
Oh HECK YES!!!!! What a shift. How did it change things for you?
This is great Sally. As usual. Reminds me of one my favorite quotes. “All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” -Mitch Albom
I love that quote. And could not agree more. Thanks so much for sharing.
One of my favorite movies is Peaceful Warrior.
I remember a few scenes where the “student of life” needs to learn to “put the bags down” and see things with fresh eyes.
I realized I had been showing up at work with a bunch of perceptions about colleagues, and so I decided to start fresh. I looked through the lens of a new employee. I suddenly realized how many things had changed under my feet and I just didn’t notice through the old lens. With my new lens and fresh perspective I was able to embrace and make the most of the new environment.