I seem to keep returning to the idea of how we view our world and our perspective of it. As it directly influences our response to what happens to us in life, as well as how people respond to us. It’s all connected.

Over time, I have come to realize the color of the lens you choose to view the world through makes all the difference. I’ve seen people go through similar experiences and come away with two totally opposing views and attitudes afterward. One person comes away from the situation grateful for the experience and learned to grow from it, where the other person found it an opportunity to feel powerless and overwhelmed.

I don’t ever want to judge other people’s life experiences as I don’t feel that to be fair. I do know we are faced with numerous choices throughout the day – especially on how we respond to what has happened to us – and I would like to think I choose the path less traveled.

After all, saying, “This is great! This is really bitchin’!” is much more powerful than losing it, feeling victimized or blaming others.

That is GREAT!

When my life is over, I want to be able to say, “I had a good run.”

What does that mean?

For me it’s about what I leave behind. The relationships with others and the connections with Loved ones. It would also be my unique perspective I brought to each and every situation in life – hopefully a positive one. And maybe I was able to bring just a little bit of joy, laughter, insight, wisdom or even help to someone’s day.

When this is all said and done, I’m hoping I leave this earth maybe just a little better than if I hadn’t been here.

We most likely will all be forgotten – including me – but maybe when they do choose to remember me, maybe it will bring a smile to their face or even a good feeling inside. That’s enough I suppose.

There is so much to gain when we just give it away.

That’s not the purpose of turning our efforts outward, however it is the direct result when we choose to serve and help others.

It never fails for me, and I often have to remind myself. But, when I seek to be of service to others – strangers or not – I’m always rewarded in some way, shape or form down the line. It never fails. This “payback” isn’t always linear, as it can come in a way I would never expect much later in the timeline. However, there is something within me that knows exactly where it came from.

And every time I’m humbled and grateful for the experience.

So, today I will once again look to give away a part of myself in order for someone else to feel recognized, included, cared for, heard or Loved.

Because it fills me up when someone else does it for me.

For me, this is the question for the ages. And not one I can answer quickly.

Pulling apart the braided strands of my upbringing as a child by my parents, past life experiences that eventually led to a belief structure, to social expectations, peer influence, etc. can be a sticky business.

One of the only ways I can bring clarity to the question is by determining what is important to me. What brings me joy? What fills me up? How do I want to be remembered? What is my legacy?

One of my close friends passed away a few years ago. She was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and did her best to beat it. While working on manifesting perfect health through various methods, she said the one good thing cancer brought her was clarity. In only just a few moments, she knew exactly what was most important to her: Her spouse, her son and then her work.

Clarity is power no doubt, but still doesn’t answer the question. It helps, but there’s more work to be done.

Who am I?

So often we are in ‘go’ mode throughout the day, we’re not even sure of where we’re heading. The alarm goes off in the morning and we jump out of bed onto the ‘treadmill of doing’ without thinking. And if we do know our direction, are we glad to be there?

Maybe a well-thought out plan or even well-intended plan based on our inner-compass and desires can keep us on track. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. In addition, having a way to objectively assess your progress along the way is beneficial as well.

The last thing we want for ourselves is to be a hamster on a wheel while we’re running on empty.