TWO SIDES TO A COIN
By Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh
For every flower counted, could there be a weed?
For every ray of sunshine, could there be a cloud?
For every frown on someone’s face, could there be a smile?
One wonders if the world would be a better place if only peace were found. Yes, we say, it certainly would. But then we must ask how we would know peace if we didn’t ”t know war? How would we know warmth if we didn’t know cold? How would we know love if we didn’t know hate?
As nice as it seems our world would be without war, without cold and without hate, the reality of our world does not exist without these things. Who doesn’t find fault with another and want to shut them down? Who doesn’t want to feel the warmth instead of the cold? Who isn’t looking for love even when it’s all in the wrong places? The war is not going away. The cold occasionally gives way to warmth only to be back again. Finding love in all the wrong places only changes when we begin to find it from within.
Where is the war, the cold, and the hate? Is it within us or do we-see it in another which may only be a mirror of ourselves? Truth, is it doesn’t matter where we see it. It only matters that once we see it, we make the effort to change it, to root it out, to become a better self.
How have you known the world throughout your time? Think about it. There’s his world, her world, my world, your world, and their world. All different worlds but one world the same. Different times, different folks, different strokes. We tend to think that others should think like us, but clearly, we all see things differently. It’s called perspective, and even though two or more can look at the same thing at the same time, they can and do see things differently because of their personal perspective. One may see beauty while the other sees ugly. One may see brown, the other black. A puppy to one may bring thoughts of joy while to another it is thoughts of work. It’s true we see with our mind.
Did you know that pain and struggle can carry hidden gifts? Did you know hardship can create a space where truth and compassion are born? Suffering, sometimes seen as meaningless, may be a potential catalyst for growth and a deeper understanding of what’s most important in our lives.
All life is a blessing!
Transforming perspectives of adversity can offer a soothing reminder that all life is a blessing. So how do we transform? First, we pay attention to our thoughts. We nourish those that bloom like flowers and toss out the weeds. Then we release the ray of sunshine within by lending our smile to others in our world. A smile for a loved one, a child or a friend, and even a stranger. A smile from the heart, let it begin. And finally, we choose peace. We laugh and take life lightly. We respond with love and kindness. We choose peace.
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Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh are authors of the award-winning book, “Blessings Abound: Awaken to the Gifts at Hand,” recipient of the Literary Titan’s Gold Book Award. (Available on Amazon) They are also authors of
“Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love,” and contributing authors together with 100 other authors, including Dr. Joseph Mercola and Dr. Julian Whitaker, of “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health” published by· SelfGrowth.com.