Interpretation.

It’s automatic; it’s what we do with what we see, hear and feel.
Someone sneezes; we interpret it “must not be feeling well”
or “maybe they have allergies” – the list goes on,
after all – it’s your interpretation.
A painful look away in the midst of conversation;
“why won’t he look at me – what’s wrong ?”
A clerk hastily rings us up and barely says thank you
“what a &!!!” we think to ourselves…

I know I’ve been wrong about my interpretations enough
to suspect you’ve been and are still in the same boat.
The key is in realizing that everything IS interpreted – and then
taking the time to find out if how we’re interpreting something
is how it was intended; the “reality”.

Unfortunately, I think we’re too smart for that.
It’s quicker & easier to just “know” what something means.
This knowing is based on our past experience.
Tip: When meeting actor Mel Gibson, do not give him the peace sign.
In Australia, where he is from, that means “screw you” !
If you and I get the feeling we’re not understood, or we have difficulty in relationships,
be it friend or other – we may want to look at how we interpret other people;
their actions, what they say, etc.
Sure – we’ll draw a conclusion about everything.
But take the time to find out from the other person what THEY meant;
why did they say what they said, did what they did, and so on.

Care enough for yourself and the other person to clarify.
It will surely bring you a life of greater happiness AND
eliminate a great deal of pain, stress and anxiety !

…and I think I’ll start listening to my own advice

~Rob