Perception: ‘an attitude or understanding based on what is observed or thought’.
Although I have “come along way baby”, I am not yet an automatic positive thinker. That is something I strive for and work at to achieve. My tendency is to lean toward the negative, darker side.
Knowing this as I go through my daily life’s happenings and come across different situations, I try to pay attention to where my thoughts are.
For instance, when interacting with a troublesome person in my life I can think of them as judgemental and unloving (and a whole bunch of other things but my blog is G rated) – or – I can think of them as an innocent child doing the best they can, sending love their way.
Both of these are my perception. Which one is truthful? They both are to me. They both “appear” to be true at any given moment. Hence my perception problem.
The good news is I have a choice. Which do I want to believe?
And now that I’m getting further into the holiday season with all the different gatherings I’ll be attending, I pray to remember:
A) If I have an attitude about a person, place or thing- my perception is off. It’s best at this point to smile, keep quiet and
Pray to think more loving thoughts
Until………
B) I start to feel those loving thoughts and have a better understanding of that same person, place or thing – and then – only good things will follow.
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Fa la la la la la la la la!
SKIP 
Awesome ! We have a choice today buddy !
And thank god we are open minded and honest .
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Yes there was a time I was blind to all of this. I either had no idea or was in denial. Thanks for your comment!
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Isn’t funny how we need extra help to get through this “jolly” season. Thank you for the spiritual direction.
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Right? I heard it said the other day that for some of us the holiday season has all the elements of the perfect storm! La la la la la la la la la …Lol. Thanks for your comment!
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Its a wonderful life!!!!!!!!!
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Yes it is George Bailey 😉
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I have been there myself so many times. However, I am much more self aware then I ever was. Before my perception was all bad, now that is a problem. At least you are working toward a lighter way of seeing things. Perception is true, no matter what, so it’s best to pick the one that causes us less stress 🙂 It’s all about self-awareness. It’s a journey we all deserve to take.
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Thanks for your reply. Yes I was a lost soul for many years & am grateful to have more awareness these days. Practicing mindfulness is the key! Along with a sense of humor 😉
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I’m so glad you reminded me we are all children and doing the best we can at any point in time. Thanks for reminding me that I have a choice to perceive people in positive or negative way. which do I want to believe? As usual, with the freedom to choose, comes a huge amount of responsibility. It’s back on me. This will inevitably lead me to ask God for help since I will not be able to stick with the plan without His grace. You,once again, have sifted though a pile and have lifted up the simple truth for me.
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Thanks for your reply! Yes for me too, all roads lead to God….thank God! Never a finished product….always under construction, humbled by it all 🙂
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Hi CBurn! I wanted to let you know that I just nominated you for the WordPress Family Award. Thank you for making me feel like family!
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