Reflection of Our Minds

9/18/24

I’m inspired to write this post based on my brother’s recent letter. He wrote, “This world we live in is but a reflection of our minds.” He went on to add that I should create a world I want. I liked his particular phrasing as it reminded me that the world is unique for us all. We may as well have a universe of our own. The way you view the world is different than me. Will likes to get deep, sometimes as far as the Mariana Trench. I don’t always go along as I don’t have the energy for such a dive. This line, though, got me thinking for a bit.

We live through our own lens, and each of us see the world differently. It is literally impossible for two people to experience an event the same way. While we can’t change the world with our minds, we still hold incredible power in our noggins. So, the world is not a reflection in that regard. But what my brother said really touches on two things: mindset and determination. You or I do not influence much of what goes on in the world. We do, however, register the information in our brains. And how we do so influences our perception of the world. Not only that, but we do have more control than we realize. 

Since the end of my last relationship, I’ve focused more on mindset. I still have down days, where I ponder the darkest depths. These are the times I find myself binging a show or playing video games without moderation. More recently, I’ve come to find that a positive mindset sheds light on our world. I mean, I knew that positivity was important, but I am finding it on my own terms now. Finding it required a sudden shift in my own life. It started with the end of a relationship. Out of the pain and figurative ashes, I felt myself become someone new. 

I’ve traveled a fair bit now. I worked in construction, a restaurant, and now at a school. I never thought I’d be teaching again. Yesterday, a colleague said, “I can’t believe it’s only Tuesday.” Now, I would argue that Tuesday is the toughest day of the week. It’s the longest day for me at school. Monday holds potential for a new and great week. But Tuesday means four more days. In any case, I told my friend, “It’s already Tuesday.” Just a small example of changing a mindset and, in turn, perspective on the world. 

Mindset can be challenging. Everyone knows positivity is important. I think it takes certain events to change someone’s mindset. I also think “mindset” is being used heavily now, usually in correlation to motivation. There’s a lot out there, YouTube in particular, on changing mindsets or building motivation. There are several I watched over the years. They didn’t do much. I needed direct life challenges to shift my thoughts.

I don’t consider myself highly motivated or determined. I set my goals with good intentions, but don’t usually reach the finish line. Again, this is something I’m developing now. Isn’t it crazy that I’m 31 years old and just now finding a handhold on determination? Maybe I had it once as a kid. I mean, it certainly took determination to become an Eagle Scout. It took determination to pass AP US History (although I failed the AP test by a few points). Determination is definitely required in theater. Somewhere after high school, I think I lost this determination. I became less focused on these aspects of my life and more intrigued in having friends and social circles. Did I become lazy?

In some ways, I definitely was. I put minimal effort in much of my college work, especially in the classes I had to take. Even when I started my own business, I’m sure there was more I could have done to be successful. I worked hard on that business; of that, I have little doubt. But I could have done more. That’s behind me now. On my current trajectory, passing through the fog and mist of the future, I aim to find that determination I once had (and not just in video). Determination will be in the passions I have. My hobbies will guide my drive in life.

Thanks, Will, for giving me something to ponder for a while. I am excited for every day. Life is a beautiful montage of moments. I still give more weight to travel and days of excitement, but every day is potential. If the world is a reflection of my mind, it’s bound to be interesting. I hope yours is for you.