What do people see when they look at you? Do they see a fun, happy, and blessed individual? Or do they see a mean, angry, depressed person?
A close friend and business mentor, once taught me in August 2003, that perception is reality.
Well, what does that mean exactly?
I've understood the phrase to have two separate views:
1. One view is how the world views me. If I create a lifestyle, a personality and/or an image that tells those around me that I'm fun, happy and blessed, then people will perceive me as such. They will want to be around me and be like me. I will be liked. I will attract other fun, happy and blessed people to me. From a spiritual angle, it's my belief that I'm shining Jesus' light that lives within me. By attempting to live out a happy, fun and blessed life, others will likely see what Jesus has done in my life, despite my hardships, and they might follow suit. Those who are angry and/or depressed, might be uplifted by my positive energy, as my light shines in their darkness, and encourages them to seek my happiness, my joy and God's richest blessings.
2. The other view is how I view myself. If I tell myself that my life is destined for failure, that I'm not worth more than X, that I'll never achieve more… then guess what, I'm not likely to get very far in life. However, I strongly believe and have lived out the challenges of my mind that have told me it's impossible, that I can never do it, that I should just give up and give in. Over the past two years, I have slowly built up my belief system, my spiritual strength, my inner core. I believe and have a strong focus towards the following message:
“Philippians 4:6-7, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”
I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that he lives in me and that through him, all things are possible. Even the things that aren't exactly possible in my mind today, I trust that they aren't impossible for Jesus. Two years ago, I thought my life was over. Today, it's better that it's ever been. Don't think I'm materially wealthy, cause I'm not. But His divine grace and my strong faith keep working towards a better day, even when can't see what or how it will work itself out.
So believe and trust that the way you PERCEIVE your life, will one day become your REALITY.
Have a blessed day!