Life's Illusions

My dad was an optometrist, and as a kid he taught me to love optical illusions. He had the image “All is Vanity” hanging in his office. It is a 19th century painting by Charles Allan Gilbert. At first, I was afraid of it, because all I saw was the scary part.  As I learned to see the other image, I came to love it, and I still do!

I realize now that life is like that image. It can be seen different ways depending on how you look at it. I am seeing that what I focus on gets bigger, and I have become careful with my attention.
 
Fear and lack are bullies that fight to be seen.  Sometimes they win, but most of the time my gaze stays fixed on every little step in the right direction, every success and sign of light.  As a result of that, and of hard work, I am starting to see the life I want unfolding.
 
The things I want are simple: to spend my days at work that is satisfying, enjoyable and worthwhile; to have relationships that are nourishing and reliable; and to know that I will always have and be enough.  I believe we all want this!
 
I have taught myself to see gifts in the struggle, and to learn from missteps.  I am learning to be kinder with myself for my shortcomings, and I am always reminded that gratitude is powerful beyond measure.
 
What are you focusing on?


(If you leave a comment, please stop back.  I always respond.)
                               (Image by Charles Allan Gilbert 1892, public domain)

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