Today’s card reminds me that there are two sides (at least) to every tale. In fact, I would propose that there are three. Mine, yours and the truth.
Now I’m not saying that you or I are lying. I’m not saying that at all. It’s more that we each bring our own truth to story telling. What I see and interpret is influenced, guided, filtered by my life experiences. Same for you.
I might see someone cut someone else off in traffic and think, “What a jerk. They are rude and have no manners.” You might see them and think, “Wow, they must be late for work.”
And the truth might be something completely different.
We are all influenced by everything that occurs in our life. Even our choice to avoid things that might influence, influences.
What I am saying is that we can’t ever be completely “clean” of life.
And that, I think, is a very good thing. That way we can bring our life events in to help us grapple with things large and small.
Back to the traffic incident. I could also stop, breathe, and then say, “Maybe they were unaware of how close that other car was. Maybe they have a sick child and are rushing to the hospital.”
I don’t HAVE TO go to the bad every time.
I don’t HAVE TO assume the worst.
Did you know that’s a documented human response? The assuming the worst?
It’s part of the “fight or flight” animal instinct in all of us. Scientists say that is why we look for the worst in a situation. It’s in order to keep ourselves safe.
I am challenging myself today to not assume the worst. Particularly after Monday, when my “they’re all jerks” is in high reactive mode, I must fight to get back to a more joyful outlook.
It ain’t easy, kids. It ain’t easy.
But I have faith that I can do it. Just like I have faith that I can continue toward my goal of 10k steps a day. I’m now averaging over 5k a day so that 10k isn’t that far away.
Neither is my joy-seeker outlook. I know I left it here somewhere.
I’ll go rummage around in my mental pockets. You do the same.
Let’s meet back here tomorrow to check in on how we did today.
Two of Swords, Paulina Tarot, USGames
Seek joy, y’all. Pass it on.
P.S. Please check out this Kickstarter. It’s a cool glass artist who is a personal friend of mine. I’ve backed many Kickstarter projects. The more airtime they get, the better they do. I’d appreciate if you would share this link as well. What goes around comes around,darlings!
Yes, I’m going to mention this a lot in the next 25 days.
No, I don’t make a dime from this.
Yes, I know it may seem obnoxious but I’m trusting y’all to understand I do this for my love of my friend and my pride in his work. MUAH!