Is perception really reality?

Posted In: Me March 4th, 2011 divider 1 Comment »

Yeah, I think so!

One of the good things about having more freedom of time is the fact that I can read a lot more these days. One of the books I’m currently reading (well listening to since it’s an audio CD) is “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. And one of the points that he touched upon when I was driving to get some groceries this morning was perception.

For me, it applies to everything. Looking back, I remember I wasn’t a big fan of spicy food and curry before I moved to the UK. After living in Scotland for six months, my perception totally changed. I now look forward to the next time food will make me sweat with flavour and spice. It also helps that Glasgow has one of the biggest concentration of Indian influence outside of India so the food was incredible. And they’re usually all you can eat deals which used to be a favourite of mine!

I’ve also witnessed this perception shift with respect to relationships and titles. I remember dating even as recently as a year back where I would almost freak out as soon as I was dating one person for too long.  I thought it meant that I had to be with that person forever and I could feel a sort of stray-jacket coming on.

With some therapy and maturity, I now look forward to a long-term relationship (I know!). I will probably have some relapses  but saying the words “my girlfriend” don’t really scare me any longer. I even find them cute.

Who knows how my perception will change in the next few months but I can’t wait to find out!

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My laptop crashed (hard drive failure) so I might be a bit slower on the posts and emails. And I’m also heading up to Montebello this afternoon for the weekend to hang out with my brother and his girlfriend (and another dozen friends) so that might speed up things either. It should be a blast though!