It's a Big World

As I have lived in one spot or another, I have met people that have lived their whole life in one spot.  They had no idea of what kind of mentality that they would find in another location.  It reminds me of that quote that says..

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." 

It is often attributed to Einstein, but there is no evidence he is the source.  Regardless, it makes a good point.  Sometimes, we get so stressed and feel inadequate, because we are spending our time in the wrong pond.

However, it is not just true for living in one state over another or one country over another or even one city over another.  There are within each city a thousand cities.  When I lived in Tampa Bay, I wondered at the fact that you could move a half mile in any direction and the city felt like a completely different world.  That is true in many cities.  Indeed, you can go a tenth of a mile away or for that matter your next door neighbor.  They live near you and perhaps you interact at times.  However, their WORLD is completely different... social links, activities, interests, etc.

As I reflect back over my life, there have been so many different times that I felt that my life was one way or another, my social groups were these or those, my activities were this or that.  And, each of those realities in my life was real for me and thriving and felt like it would be that way, forever.  Then, things change.  And, the next one felt the same way.  Yes, over my life, I often found myself spending a lot of time in thought over the way things used to be, but all that did was keep me from being able to enjoy the way that things are, now.  You cannot go back to the past.  Even if you did,, it would not be the same, anymore.  YOU would not be the same, anymore.

I know that your life feels so real right now.  If you are struggling, it can feel like it will be that way, forever.  However, I promise you that if you just push forward, the days ahead will be a new story, and here is the secret.  YOU can hold the PEN.  You can write the foundation for your days by what you choose to believe and do and try and feel. It is a big world, and the same person can have an entirely different adventure and life, depending on what your mentality you choose to hold.  And, if you stay within your old world bubble, you may never find out that you are actually a genius and loved and empowered in another pond.  I am not telling you to abandon ANYTHING... not saying leave your job or move or make any rash decisions.  But, maybe you start to explore a little and meet new people and try new environments. 

So, I will leave you with that challenge.  This week, try something new and speak to someone that you have only begun to know.  You never know.  You might like the new themes in the story and the person they help you become.