Rose Coloured Glasses, Live Well

Rose Coloured Glasses, Live Well
by Pegine Echevarria
What colour glasses do you have on? There is a saying “looking through rose coloured glasses.” It is usually referred to when someone is only looking at the positive and not “reality.” I remember being reprimanded by a teacher for seeing life through rose coloured glasses. She wanted me to see life and the world through her eyes—dark, overcast glasses. That was her “reality.” It is revealing to me to look back and see people who had so much, but whose reality was dark and dim, so they had lives and outcomes that were dark and dim. I’ve also known people who looked at life through rose coloured glasses and were happy. They had much less, yet their lives were filled with laughter, joy, and fun. Why?

Why is “real” to some people, pointing out the negative, the problems, and the conflicts? Is this “reality” more valuable than the successes, the solutions, and the peace?

I spent a lot of time in my life focusing on the negative, the things that weren’t working, and you know what it got me? More of the same. Focusing on the negative and the problems, the so called “reality,” got me more of the same.

I always leaned to classes, lectures, tapes and books that were motivating, but “reality” always pulled me back. My internal dialogue went something like this:

Of course they are happy, look how successful they are.

It is easy for them; they’ve never dealt with the issues that I was dealing with.

They have more . . . education, flair, money, poise, and the list went on.

I found lots of excuses: they’re men; they’re not a minority; they’re thin; etc.

I added “reality” to my thoughts:

I’m stupid, fat, ugly and the list went on.

Then I changed. I read, I studied, I transformed. I found coaches and support groups, and I started to have faith and believe. I decided to put on my “rose coloured glasses.” I liked that “reality” better. I liked how I felt when I told myself: I’m smart, sexy and beautiful. I loved how I felt when I decided to see what others saw in me:

I’m successful.

I’m happy.

I’m in love.

I have options.

My family and I have a roof over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat.

I am me. I’m funny, supportive, creative, hard-working, dedicated and passionate.

I make a difference in people’s lives.

Put on your “rose coloured glasses!” Life is so much richer with them on!

Look at your team, your job, your genius, your family, your body, your future, your past. Now, look at them through “rose coloured glasses.” Reality is in the eye of the beholder. What you see is what you get! So get that it is all you. It is your reality—no one else’s! Live well, see well, be well. Talk about your “rose coloured” world, so you grow roses in your life.

Try-it:
These are actions and steps I use with my coaching clients and in my own life:
Play BIG. If everything was right in your world, what would your world look like? Where are you living? What work would you be doing? Who would be in your life?

What is stopping you from having that life?

What are your thoughts on a daily basis?

What thoughts would you be thinking on a daily basis if everything was right?

Are you willing to change and think those thoughts right now?

Think them.

When your mind goes back to old thoughts, change them and transform them to your “rose coloured” thoughts. Only you can do that, no one else.

Kick-butt action:
In your family or team, take charge and engulf yourself in a rose colour attitude and world.

Praise and appreciate each of your family members and team members.

During your team meetings and/or family meetings focus on each of your team/family members. Silently to yourself notice them and then notice your internal chatter about them. If there are negative thoughts floating in your head about the person, note them and immediately change your thoughts.

Surrounding yourself with negative personalities? Walk away (no, run away), change who you eat lunch with, join a volunteer group at work, get with people who want to grow and change.

Have You?

Smiled to yourself?

Read something positive and uplifting?

Crossed off tasks on your To Do sheet?

Called someone who you haven’t connected with in a while?

Put ten dollars in an envelope with a note saying, “Random Acts of Kindness make me happy to be a human. Thanks for making me happy.” Choose an address from the phone book and send it out. Do not put your name or address on the envelope or letter. Just mail it with good thoughts.

Thought of the Month:

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein

Magazines describe Pegine as one of the top motivational success and leadership experts with business and team building experience! Her teambuilding and motivational programs are experiential, fun and filled with content. Companies use her to motivate people, develop strong leaders & teams, and increase productivity. For more success, leadership and team building information visit her website at www.pegine.com.