At times I find it hard to discern the difference between a situation from my opinion about it. Something happens, and before I know it, my mind escalates it out of proportion. Of course, I don’t see it that way. I think my interpretation is an absolutely accurate representation of facts.
For instance, I look at my phone to check the weather for the next couple of days and my mind goes: “It’s gonna be miserable!!!” 😱
Can anyone know with absolute certainty what I mean when I say “miserable?”
Does it mean, temperatures will drop below 32° F and it will be freezing outside?
Is a blizzard approaching? Maybe a tornado?
Or will there be heavy rain, like water coming down in torrents?
Is that what “miserable” means?
One can’t really know, can one?
Fact is, the weather app did not show “miserable.” It does not even have a feature like that. The forecast was 117° F.
Why is it so important for me to look at the difference between using a rather neutral description for a situation (117° F) versus an interpretation thereof (miserable)?
Well, for one thing, if someone told me the weather will be miserable, I wouldn’t really know what to do. Am I to wear a raincoat and rubber boots if I step outside? Or is it time to put on my snowsuit, fetch my skis, and go for a cross country run?
For another thing, interpretations and opinions have the potential to send me off into a downward spiral. Facts not so much. Stepping into 117° F is hot enough as it is. I don’t need my mind to heat up the situation. I’d rather use it to deal with what’s happening and come up with an idea, like wrapping a wet, cold towel around my neck.
On second thought, at 117° F, make it an entire, dripping-wet jumpsuit!! 😅
Brigitte Schneider
aka Ms. Keeping it Cool
Copyright © 2021, Brigitte Schneider. If you wish to quote text from this article contact the author by leaving a comment.
