Mirror, Mirror -- What Do I See?
"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror."-Ken Keys
Mirrors have a very particular function. They reflect the image in front of them. Just as a physical mirror serves as the vehicle to reflection, so do all of the people in our lives.
When we see something beautiful such as a flower garden, that garden serves as a reflection. In order to see the beauty in front of us, we must be able to see the beauty inside of ourselves. When we love someone, it's a reflection of loving ourselves. We have often heard things like "I love how I am when I'm with that person." That simply translates into I'm able to love me when I love that other person. Oftentimes, when we meet someone new, we feel as though we 'click' ? sometimes it's as if we've known each other for a long time. That feeling can come from sharing similarities ? i.e. personality, background, history, character traits, etc. We are comfortable because part of ourselves is being reflected.
Just as the 'mirror' or other person can be a positive reflection, it is more likely that we'll notice it when it has a negative connotation. For example, it's easy to remember times when we have met someone we're not particularly crazy about. We may have some criticism in our mind about the person. This is especially true when we get to know someone with whom we would rather spend less time ? as opposed to more.
Frequently, when we dislike qualities in other people, ironically, it's usually the mirror that's speaking to us. Example: Several years ago, I joined a friend who had invited several other friends as well. One woman, 'Laura' continuously dominated the conversation. Each time someone tried to interject a thought or start a different thread, Laura always brought it back to her story. It was particularly annoying as I felt there was little opportunity to get to know the other people because Laura consistently put the attention back onto herself. It wasn't until several weeks had passed that I questioned and couldn't understand why was I so disturbed by Laura's behavior as I didn't have to be friends or spend more time with her. Finally, it hit me! When I was REALLY honest with myself, I saw aspects of those same traits in me. I realized that the reason we met was for me to hold up the 'mirror' and see myself behaving in an unfavorable manner.
So I began questioning myself further each time I encountered someone that I didn't particularly like. Each time, I asked myself "What is it about that person that I don't like?" And then "Is there something similar in me?' In every instance, and sometimes I had to really get very introspective, I could see a piece of that quality in me. So what did that mean?
It means that just as I can get annoyed or disturbed when I notice that aspect in someone else, I better re-examine my qualities and consider making some changes. Even if I'm not willing to make a drastic change, at least I consider how I might modify some of the things that I'm doing.
At times we meet someone new and feel distant, disconnected, or disgusted. Although we don't want to believe it ? and it's not easy or desirable to look further ? it can be a great learning lesson to figure out what part of the person is being reflected in you. It's simply just another way to create more self-awareness.
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT: As you encounter people, see if you can figure out what part of you is being reflected. If you notice negative qualities, see if you are willing to look carefully at that part of you. It's an opportunity for you to make a change for the better. At first, it may seem as though there's no connection. Upon further introspection and giving it some time, you may just figure it out.
Marion Franklin - is a Professional Certified Life Coach who coaches individuals and groups regarding personal and professional change, focus, human relations, and conflict management. Marion has coached managers at major corporations including PepsiCo, Toys'R'Us, and Reader's Digest. She conducts and help clients design workshops and presentations, has been a featured presenter at meetings, retreats, and an ongoing Women's Workshop Series, has been cited in The Journal News and The Wall Street Journal, and has appeared on local Cable Television. http://www.lifecoachinggroup.com
 Google News Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:51:42 GMT Angels' bats loom large in victory over Indians - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - Normally tepid offense produces season highs in runs and hits (19). Jeff Mathis, Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman combine for 13 hits, Francisco Rodriguez gets 42nd save and team ups West lead to 10 By Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer The ... Mathis drives in six; Angels hold off Tribe in wild slugfest Angels pound Laffey, slam Mastny, in ripping Indians, 14-11 Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:05:36 GMT "Bad Girls" mind-set, Pierson and Parker a volatile mix - WNBA - ESPN ESPN - By Mechelle Voepel What does it take to light up a tinderbox? Just a spark. Or in the case of the Detroit-Los Angeles scuffle with 4.6 seconds left of a WNBA game Tuesday, it was a Spark. WNBA reviewing fight between Detroit, LA players Don't make Mahorn the bad boy in WNBA scuffle Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:15:40 GMT Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Ed Edelson WEDNESDAY, July 23 (HealthDay News) -- British researchers have discovered a genetic variant that causes some people who take cholesterol-lowering statins to have the muscle weakness called myopathy. 7 Reasons Not to Dismiss Statin-Caused Pain Discovery may boost statin safety Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:59:27 GMT Google unfurls less laughable Wikipedia - Register
Register - By Cade Metz in San Francisco → More by this author Back in December, the search engine cum world power announced an anyone-can-edit online encyclopedia it insists on calling Knol, and this morning, with a post to The Official Google Blog, ... Google Launches Knol, The Monetizable Wikipedia Google opens Knol website, a wiki with bylines Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:46:16 GMT US House Approves Fannie-Freddie Bill by 272-152 (Update1) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Brian Faler July 23 (Bloomberg) -- The US House of Representatives approved legislation designed to shore up confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and stem the record surge in mortgage foreclosures, sending the bill to the Senate. Video: House OKs Rescue for Homeowners, Freddie, Fannie US mortgages: Bush relents on veto threat to Fannie and Freddie ... Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:37:49 GMT "Dark Knight" beats total of previous Batman film - Reuters
Reuters - By Dean Goodman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After just six days of release in North America, the new Batman sequel "The Dark Knight" has grossed more domestically than its predecessor did in its entire run, distributor Warner Bros. Video: 'Dark Knight' Sets Weekend Box Office Record 'Dark Knight' may be summer's highest-grossing film Publ.Date : Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:19:56 GMT Microsoft refunding gamers, Games for Windows Live goes free - Ars Technica
Ars Technica - By Frank Caron | Published: July 23, 2008 - 07:06PM CT PC gaming wasn't a huge factor at this year's E3, but it seems that Microsoft was merely biding its time before making its big moves to try and perk up the waning PC gaming market. Microsoft Drops Player Fees On Games For Windows Live Unangst: GFW Live Has Full Game Download Plans 'On The Roadmap' Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:17:11 GMT Automate Your Blogging |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... You must absolutely have a vision, or a dream, for... Read More There are reasons we cross paths with those that we... Read More I tremble at the thought that millions of people suffer... Read More How often do you have opportunities every day to exercise... Read More The bedrock of the Christian faith is the good news... Read More Many of us seek consolation in the words of Frank... Read More Life is about constant, predictable patterns of change. For the... Read More A WORD FITLY SPOKENA word fitly spoken is like apples... Read More Another perfect sunset seen from Redondo Beach, California. Since arriving... Read More Everyone knows that a positive attitude is key to the... Read More Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 7,... Read More In life we all have dreams and goals, aspirations to... Read More Safety is an interesting concept. When we think of safety... Read More There is a story about a little girl who suffered... Read More Humanity seems to be the only species that never seems... Read More Riding a rush, being juiced, flying high-this is the feeling... Read More Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More Here I am gazing on the Web for extraordinary witnesses... Read More This is my new favorite quote. Now to understand it... Read More I have never been fond of white-water rafting, probably because... Read More Earlier this year, following an intention to live more consciously,... Read More One of the major reasons why we fail to find... Read More What does it take for you to pay attention?You've probably... Read More I wish that I could tell every person that I... Read More Learning to distinguish between two powerful emotions - superficially very... Read More
Adsense
websites
Do You Have a Vision?
Being Relatable in Todays World as a Christian
Death Wish
Borne Upon the Wings of Words
Moment of Grace
Lessons Learned Hard
The Seasons of Life, Part 1 of 5
A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Acceptance
On Sunsets and Telecom
Keeping Your Attitude Up When Circumstances Are Down
A Bad Move
When Human Beings Take It To The Limit
Safety ? Are You OK?
Making Commitments of Love and Courage
Living Authentically in a Masked World
A Rush Home to Rapture
Universal Thought System Language Keywords
Van Morrison, Spiritual Rock Star
Trust the Lord and Go to The Hole
Growing From Good To Great
Conscious Living
Wherever You Are, Be There
What Does it Take to Make Life Better?
You Are a Beautiful Person
Shame and Guilt: A World of Difference
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Garbage In Its Place
There is nothing worse than seeing garbage blowing down the... Read More
Life Is Worthwhile If You
(Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Two Day Weekend event -... Read More
Inspirations: Some Other Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far
Some people live in and talk about the past so... Read More
Tomorrow May be Too Late
A high school senior, looking forward to going to college,... Read More
My Journey
I believe it's important for you to develop a mission... Read More
Super Powers
It is fun to watch movies of those with super... Read More
Go Where No Man Or Woman Has Gone Before
"It`s life Jim but not as we know it." -SpockIn... Read More
Universal Thought System Language Keywords
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
The Power of Courtesy and Kindness
I'm currently listening to The Secrets of the Power of... Read More
Victory is an Accomplishment
Did you ever watch a bird in flight? Especially ducks... Read More
Irresistible
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 29,... Read More
Lessons about Life in an Unexpected Place
Did you ever receive a gift in an unexpected place?I... Read More
Why Be Great?
Have you ever thought of what it would take to... Read More
Just Let ?Em Go!
I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More
Powerful Caretakers - Taking Good Care of Ourselves First
Our community consists of powerful caretakers. We do a great... Read More
Do You Have a Vision?
You must absolutely have a vision, or a dream, for... Read More
To Thine Own Self
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 6,... Read More
Clearing Your Inner Landscape: Freeing Yourself From Emotional Deadwood
Do you suffer from emotional clutter? Is suffering even the... Read More
How A Sense Of Wonder Makes Life Richer
It always amazes me when I meet someone who has... Read More
My Life With Furniture
These days, I find the lines are blurred between school... Read More
What To Do When You Dont Know What To Do
It is often difficult to know exactly what to do.... Read More
An Extraordinary Person
I am not going to tell you the story of... Read More
L.S. Macs Treasures
Such as my defeat overwhelmed me, so did my love... Read More
Listening to Your Inner Voice May Save Your Life
"I was washing my breakfast dishes one morning when it... Read More
Its Not Always About the Benjamins, Baby
Often when I receive emails from this list with folks,... Read More
Inspirational |