Over the last few days there seems to have been a lot of bad news.
Here in my home town there has been a lot of discussion about the dangers of the on-line world for our children, following a powerful and horrifying lecture. It was accompanied by stories of violence, theft and violation and the ease with which people get lured into inappropriate behavior; cyber bullying and pornography.
There has been an unveiling of a ring of pedophiliac activity by famous entertainers…yet again, people abusing their wealth and power to destroy the lives of innocent children.
Even the weather has taken a violent turn in so many parts of the world.
I wondered why I felt a little draggy this morning; with an aching back and a sense of malaise.
Reality is harsh. We hear dreadful, frightening and disturbing stories all the time.
The question is; what do we do with these stories? What choices to we make as a result of them, what reality do we choose to live in when we are made sick by these stories.
They are just stories.
You may be arguing, but they are true, these things really happen. And I admit, somewhere out there, these stories are true. Someone was raped. Someone was abused. Someone was killed.
And when I live these stories, I become frightened and depressed and then they become my reality even though it didn’t happen to me.
Now I’m not suggesting that we should lose compassion or empathy for the great pain that others suffer. We do need to be aware of what’s going on in the world.
But I think the stories have a whole other potential that is exciting and empowering and the very opposite of malaise and depression.
These stories provide the opportunity to take action, to help out, to contribute.
They give us the chance to use our knowledge to prevent these things happening to us and our loved ones (in as much as we can!).
They give us the impetus to do something that is positive and affirming; to create something beautiful in the world.
The stories can inspire us to be truly grateful and celebrate what we have.
So in the light of all these traumatic stories, strangely enough, I want to celebrate.
The simple things.
Sitting here, looking out of my home-office window to the sun-filled garden.
Knowing that my boys will be home later – my greatest teachers, keeping me honest and challenging me in all that I am…
Savoring the amazing clients that I am blessed to serve; each one inspiring me with their talents and commitments.
Our reality is created by the story we tell.
And that’s our choice. Always.
What story are you telling today?
What reality do you choose?
Share it here…
