We live in a world filled with diverse viewpoints, angles, and perspectives. With every word, text, and image we interpret it a different way than those around us. Our surroundings affect us differently and uniquely to each of us individually.
What lens do you see the world through? Do you see black and white or a world filled with colors? When you read a book, does your imagination wonder or do you just see words on a page? What is your perspective?
When you look in the mirror...
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do your imperfections light up as if you had a magnifying glass on them? Do your insecurities begin to flood your brain? Whispers telling you you’re weak, you’re too short, or you’re too fat? Do you begin to analyze and doubt yourself, and your capabilities? Are you disgusted with what you see?
When you're in public...
When you're in public, what do you see? Do you see yourself as an outcast? Do you feel people staring at you - judging your every move? Do you see people trying to be someone they're not? Do you see groups divided by race, class, or ethnicity?
When you walk outside...
When you walk outside, what do you see? Do you see blocks of construction, pollution, and destruction? Do you see skyscrapers and buildings instead of grass? The air you breathe in, what do you smell?
When you go to school...
When you go to school, what do you see? Do you only see tests, grades, and homework assignments? Are you constantly thinking about your major, dreading the disappointing look on your parents faces? Is graduation always on your mind, debating what career path you are going to choose?
When you go to work...
When you go to work, what do you see? Do you watch the clock, anxiously waiting for the time to go home? Are you constantly comparing yourself to your coworkers, trying to figure out what they have that you don't?
NOW... take off the lens coating of societies pressures, expectations, or boxes placed upon you. Instead, look through your personal lens. Be you, and see the world the way in which you wish to see it. Be yourself, be positive, be optimistic, and most importantly see color in the life you live. Now, what do you see?
When you look in the mirror...
Now when you look it the mirror, what do you see? Do you see your true outer and inner beauty? Do you see your growth, strength, and resilience? Do you see the years of hard work of creating the beautiful person you are today?
When you walk outside...
Now when you walk outside, what do you see? Do you see the trees, flowers, and birds that mother nature put on this earth? Do you notice the fresh air, and your lungs that work so perfectly? Do you notice the crisp smell of the outdoors, and hear the birds chirping? Look up at the sky, do you see the sun shining down on you?
When you go to school...
Now when you go to school, what do you see? Do you see opportunities, new career paths, or new experiences? Do you take a minute to enjoy your time at school, and make memories with the people around you? Look around your class, do you see new faces you wish to get to know?
When you go to work...
Now when you go to work, what do you see? Do you see a chance to make yourself known? An opportunity for you to be a success? Do you see yourself taking another step up the ladder to success?
I'll admit, it's extremely hard to remove the lens that we are so used to seeing the world through. Think about the news, what is always showing? We are constantly surrounded by negativity. But, once you remove this lens and begin to see the world in a positive light, then you can begin living.
Be rich in experiences, not money. For experiences will grant you with more knowledge, perspectives, and happiness than money can ever buy.
