Resolve!

Have you ever had the feeling that you were invisible?  I have.  I've felt like that a lot.  I have been introduced to people -- often more than once - and the next time I see them, they act like they have no idea who I am.  I'm talking not a glimmer of recognition.  Some people will recognize me if I'm with my husband.  But those same people won't recognize me if I'm by myself.  So if I don't see that "glimmer" of recognition, I often don't even bother reintroducing myself or speaking.  I decided that I'm just one of those people that blends.  That's been the way I've looked at things for years.

These days though, I strive to see things from as many perspectives as possible.  I try to put myself in other people's positions and see me as they might see me.  You know what I've figured out?  Most people are going through the same thing.  Maybe they thought I didn't recognize them.  Maybe they were just as insecure and lacking in confidence as I was.

I always saw everyone as somehow better than me.  They were smarter, wiser, more educated, more experienced, further along on their spiritual path.  It occurred to me that if I felt that way about them, they could feel that way about me.  Interesting!

So now I've resolved to change my outlook and response.  I'm working on seeing myself as equal.  We all have different gifts.  One isn't better or more valued than another.  They are all important in their own way.  It's like that analogy of the puzzle.  There are big pieces and sometimes very small pieces.  But the puzzle isn't complete until ALL the pieces are put together.  They're ALL important.

I've also resolved to work on understanding people.  If they don't acknowledge me, maybe it's not about me at all.  Maybe it's their lack of self confidence.  So now I'll talk to them - at least a smile and a "hi".  The response has been great so far.  It's made my world a friendlier place to live and I like that.

Love,  Paula