We Can Choose How We View the World

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer

I have experienced miracles many times in my life when I have followed through on these profound words of Dyer. In my counseling practice and in my teaching, I have also witnessed miracles occurring in others when they follow this concept. It may sound simple, but these words encompass a depth of wisdom.

When working with clients, one of the theories I have employed is the Cognitive Approach. In simple terms, it means that whenever a person or situation is causing us pain (hurt, anger, sadness, etc.), there is always a different way to view the person or situation.

For example, if someone says something hurtful to you, there are several possible ways to view the event. You could:

• get angry and lash back at the person
• personalize the comments made to you and walk around feeling
bad about yourself
• depersonalize the comments and view the person as a wounded soul

How do you usually react? I sincerely hope that my words have given you food for thought.