Perceptions
Perception is a funny thing. Sometimes we create a whole reality in our minds that is just not true. And then that reality dictates the course of our lives. It affects our actions, our motivations, and our understanding of this world.
Let me give you an example. In my first post, I talked about how I'm awkward. Because I really and honestly feel that I am. At least, the experience that I've had and the ways in which I see the world responding around me would lead me to feel that I am awkward. And rather than try to change the face that I am awkward, I just believe it. I embrace it, so that it's less difficult to swallow when I do experience something where I appear awkward.
But what if it was presented to me in a different way? What if instead of seeing myself as awkward, I would acknowledge other skills about myself? Like how I am unique in how I handle a situation with calmness and positivity. How I am innovative because I can see a situation from multiple angles to come up with another way of doing things. How I am analytical in that I replay the situation over and over in my head trying to figure out ways to correct/improve how I responded to the situation.
Now, instead of just acknowledging that I am awkward, I see that I am unique, innovative, and analytical. And how much better do these more accurate descriptors make me feel? It turns my lack of confidence into empowerment.
There are other places where perception fools us. These come into play in our societal norms. I was asked today to think about my goals in my career for 2019. Some of these tie into the organization that I am a part of, and some are also developmental for myself. I am realizing today that one of my perceptions is that I need a single, full-time job in order to maintain our family budget and dynamic. That somehow, a full-time job means stability and permanence. The perception, which is dictated by societal norms, is largely incorrect. While it could create some logistical difficulties, it is an untrue statement that I could not survive on multiple part time "jobs". This is something that I am currently facing as I discern my ability to be a pastor. It is a reality in our local environment that there isn't a need for a full-time pastor close to where we live now. Could I rise above my own perception to make it work to be a pastor on a part-time basis? What else could I do to make up another part-time income?
I can't say that I know the answers to these questions yet. But I do realize how awful perception is in how it shapes us. By expanding our thinking, we open ourselves up to more opportunities. So for today, I am going to be open to the idea that trying new things and catching myself on my own perceptions will only provide better opportunities for myself. Maybe it would help you readers, too.
Positivity for the Day
Our outlook on life is a result of many factors - our experience, our perceptions, our likes/dislikes, and more things. But we have the ability to choose how we move beyond the perception, how we can rise above it to make decisions for ourselves and our families.
Difficulty can be a perception. Taking a step back to look at things from a wider angle, coming up with a new technique, asking for help - these are all things we can do to make a situation less difficult.
Be blessed today knowing that perception can be changed just by focusing on it. Perceptions don't have to beat us. We can accomplish great things together, and through the help of our Creator, who perfects us by providing for us in our weakest moments and helping us to see our own strengths.
Peace,
Positively Pastoral Jessica
Let me give you an example. In my first post, I talked about how I'm awkward. Because I really and honestly feel that I am. At least, the experience that I've had and the ways in which I see the world responding around me would lead me to feel that I am awkward. And rather than try to change the face that I am awkward, I just believe it. I embrace it, so that it's less difficult to swallow when I do experience something where I appear awkward.
But what if it was presented to me in a different way? What if instead of seeing myself as awkward, I would acknowledge other skills about myself? Like how I am unique in how I handle a situation with calmness and positivity. How I am innovative because I can see a situation from multiple angles to come up with another way of doing things. How I am analytical in that I replay the situation over and over in my head trying to figure out ways to correct/improve how I responded to the situation.
Now, instead of just acknowledging that I am awkward, I see that I am unique, innovative, and analytical. And how much better do these more accurate descriptors make me feel? It turns my lack of confidence into empowerment.
There are other places where perception fools us. These come into play in our societal norms. I was asked today to think about my goals in my career for 2019. Some of these tie into the organization that I am a part of, and some are also developmental for myself. I am realizing today that one of my perceptions is that I need a single, full-time job in order to maintain our family budget and dynamic. That somehow, a full-time job means stability and permanence. The perception, which is dictated by societal norms, is largely incorrect. While it could create some logistical difficulties, it is an untrue statement that I could not survive on multiple part time "jobs". This is something that I am currently facing as I discern my ability to be a pastor. It is a reality in our local environment that there isn't a need for a full-time pastor close to where we live now. Could I rise above my own perception to make it work to be a pastor on a part-time basis? What else could I do to make up another part-time income?
I can't say that I know the answers to these questions yet. But I do realize how awful perception is in how it shapes us. By expanding our thinking, we open ourselves up to more opportunities. So for today, I am going to be open to the idea that trying new things and catching myself on my own perceptions will only provide better opportunities for myself. Maybe it would help you readers, too.
Positivity for the Day
Our outlook on life is a result of many factors - our experience, our perceptions, our likes/dislikes, and more things. But we have the ability to choose how we move beyond the perception, how we can rise above it to make decisions for ourselves and our families.
Difficulty can be a perception. Taking a step back to look at things from a wider angle, coming up with a new technique, asking for help - these are all things we can do to make a situation less difficult.
Be blessed today knowing that perception can be changed just by focusing on it. Perceptions don't have to beat us. We can accomplish great things together, and through the help of our Creator, who perfects us by providing for us in our weakest moments and helping us to see our own strengths.
Peace,
Positively Pastoral Jessica
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