Reality is the word I was given to write about today. It sounded like an easy enough assignment to begin with, but as I sat down to write this I realized it was much more difficult than I had initially thought.
What is your reality? This is hard to absorb. It seems to be changing at all times. Our feelings influence it as well. Plus, our perception skews it. Does that mean reality is illusive? Or that we prefer to be in other places than reality?
My reality is that I am happier than I have ever been in my new job. I have the freedom and flexibility to take things as they come. I have less stress and pressure than before as I control my time and have mostly only myself to answer to. It’s beautiful!
A different take on this reality is that I do have other people to answer to and consider, if I choose to. We all do. We have family and friends, business associates, clients and customers to serve. I am sure there are many other categories of people that we work with in life as well.
Each of these people shape our reality. They influence us. They make us want to do better and try harder. They give us responsibility and challenges. Their input can change our view of our reality.
Do we want that to happen? Are we affecting other people’s realities? Of course we are! Are we doing it in the best way for them to be happy and at peace, or do we create layers of stress and strife for them?
Our reality may seem like we are helping them and trying to guide them with constructive criticism. However, they may see it differently. They may feel like we are pushing or nagging or guilting them into doing things in a way that they aren’t comfortable with. OMG! How could we see things so differently?!
Wikipedia defines reality as: “Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. A still broader definition includes everything that has existed, exists, or will exist.”
So, really, reality is somewhere in between how you and I experience and view things when our views are different. This then is why it is difficult to find the actual reality of things. We and our thoughts and feelings get in the way and make it harder to accomplish than we would initially think.
“Reality is the state of things as they actually exist.” So, perhaps, feelings and such have no place in the reality of life. Feelings, however, are some of the best parts of life.
I don’t know about you, but I’m thoroughly confused at this point. This is my new reality. Clarity would be a lovely reality to enter into again. So, with this interesting and somewhat mind blowing diatribe I will leave you to go back to your day and your “reality.” May it be a beautiful one for you and for all you know and influence. May you have time to reflect on how you influence and affect other people and their realities. Hopefully, we can all make positive differences in the lives of those we touch. Here’s to the best realities possible!