Reframe to Achieve Peace

Somebody wise once said that some people feel the rain and others just get wet. 

Let that one settle in for a second. Perspective is the difference between experiencing a cooling sensation as a drop lands on your skin versus getting all wet in a downpour. There's no difference in what actually happens but the difference IS in what you experience. Reframing a situation gives you the opportunity to embrace what is. Reframing is not an attempt to Pollyanna your way through a mess, it is a real way to increase happiness. A challenging situation when viewed through slightly different glasses, can be handled more easily and with greater happiness. Reframing is an opportunity to achieve peace. You have a choice in what you see and in how you process those observations. 

When faced with a difficult situation, try a different approach. Perhaps think of a way to see the same situation that makes it all more easeful or pleasant. I use reframing often (maybe daily, if I am being honest) but our breastfeeding situation comes to mind when I think of a BIG situation where I needed perspective. I had hoped to exclusively breastfeed my baby for a long time but the reality was that I needed to supplement from three weeks. While, we were able to continue our breastfeeding relationship (with the help of an AMAZING lactation consultant and formula), it wasn't what I had planned. It wasn't what I wanted and believed should be happening (that should idea is a little beast, but that is a separate post). Initially, I was upset that my body wasn't working the way I felt it should but with time and a little reframing, I was able to offer gratitude for what my body was able to do. I nourished my daughter's mind, body and soul and I am proud of that. By shifting my perspective from one of lack to one of abundance, everything changed while nothing actually did. This wasn't like a big lightbulb moment where suddenly I was at ease with our situation but gradually (and with frequent reframing), peace settled in. 

Some folks feel the rain and others just get wet.