This weekend I saw a few folks I have not seen since before surgery. They were all very enthusiastic and supportive of my weight loss, oohing and ahhing over how great I look. And an interesting thing happened. All three of these folks were convinced that I was wearing new glasses. I had to keep assuring them that I have not purchased any new eyewear for well over a year and a half. Finally, it dawned on me ... what is "new" is not my glasses. What is "new" is my face!
Looking into the mirror daily I do not necessarily notice the changes taking place. And it is helpful to connect with folks more objective than myself.
I realize this is a good metaphor for much of life. We drift along, consumed by routine and the occasional dramas of the day. Even when we think we are living "in the moment" all sort of changes slip by unnoticed. And it is helpful to connect with others who bring an objectivity we ourselves can only rarely muster.
Author Anne Lamott writes about a time when she worried about the safety of her son and his desire to go hang gliding one birthday. She says that after she stewed and fretted about whether or not to allow this risky endeavor, she consulted a few friends. In her words, "You can't heal your sick mind with your own sick mind". It turns out that is what friends - relatives - colleagues - neighbors - even competitors are for!
So maybe I do have some new "glasses"... if I can occasionally spend a few minutes looking through someone else's eyes. For that may be the best way to get a good look in these days of re-birth.
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