People don’t live life as it is…
Anaïs Nin said, “People don’t live life as it is, they live life as they are” - as they perceive life through the filter of their perceptions, which are based on their attitudes, assumptions, even their expectations. Perceptions aren’t just thoughts, they are a special kind of thought. Perceptions are the meanings, the interpretations, placed on our experiences - the things we see, hear, taste, touch, think and feel. Perceptions - the way we interpret facts - control our circumstances and, ultimately, our reality.
James Allen opined that people “…are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they there-fore remain bound.”
That is pretty heady stuff! What binds us? Our current perception of reality. Lucky for us, perceptions can change. Once they change, reality does too. Remember, change can be positive or negative, constructive or destructive. It can all start with one small event.
We’ve just read another excellence excerpt from the book Beyond Illusions. I know it’s the 3rd day in a row…but hey, I just love this book!
What follows is the testimony of a recent reader!
I got a copy of Brad’s book; it is simply enchanting. I highly recommend it to everyone. Brad’s conversational style of writing makes for an easy read. You will enjoy Brad’s wit and wisdom; he’ll make you laugh and cry.
I have read Brad’s book many times and I always come away with a new insight that has enriched my life. The book is also full of wonderful quotes-many are Brad’s and they never fail to inspire.
One of my favorite chapters and concepts is Aubrey’s (one of Brad’s daughters) “Poisonberry Perspective” on page 35. What a wonderful insight that Brad gained from his daughter; I think of this concept frequently and it has improved my relationship with everyone I come in contact with.
I could go on and on about the wonderful insights and lessons Brad’s book offers. But my advice is to get a copy for yourself and a few extra copies for friends and associates. Yes, it’s that good; you’re gonna want to share it! ~ Tom Yates
August 27th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Kirk,
James Allen opined that people “…are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they there-fore remain bound.”
has gone straight into my favourites…
No doubt you have heard as often, most likely far more than me, when speaking to someone who is in need of an attitude transfusion and encouraging them to read a few good books… “Oh but I’m not like that, I’m not like you, I’m not into that positive stuff”. It’s times like this I wish I was carrying a wet fish in my pocket, I’m sure just a gentle slap would do it, to assist in their understanding that maybe they need to read to become ‘like that’ themselves. Attitudes aren’t born, they are constructed over time with diligence and application.
And also on this topic…
Luck is the most wasted of occurences to the ill prepared mind
cheers,
Daniel
*No fish were harmed in the creation of this comment
September 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am
simply stated as Kirk pointed out - no one can make anyone do or feel or respond to anything. As individuals we have complete control over ourselves, our feelings and thoughts and actions. How we respond to stimulus is conditioned over years of experience and life and is not always quite as self serving as we would like. Ideally, we would respond thoughtfully, not knee jerk, process the information or situation and respond appropriately enough to effect the proper control to protect ourselves and our situation, but in reality we are merely humans, reactive to inputs to which we have no control. In reading the comments posted, the theme is the same and the message equally so. Control what you can, play hard and fair - honestly. Sometimes you actually win.