The Best Things in Life Are Rarely Things

Have you ever noticed this to be true?

The best things in life for me are those things are not things at all. People and experiences make biggest mark: a wonderful relationship, time with family, or a fantastic vacation that stays in my mind for years.

It seems funny to me that we spend so much time on this planet chasing “things” that we lose focus on what matters most. I mean, what’s point of having that fantastic new home if you sleep in it all alone? Or drive nicest of cars but are too ill to take it out for a spin?

Last week I was fortunate enough to meet an incredible guy named David. He’s one of wealthiest people I’ve ever met, and one of richest guys I’ve come across.

What’s difference you ask? Well, I’ve known many wealthy people (the type with all material resources you could imagine), and then I’ve met truly rich people who have one thing in common: they have balance.

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Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and Chicago. While I was there, I was amazed that friends I made along my journey seemed to have completely different observations of state in which they lived.

For example, when I asked what winters were like in their town, I got completely opposite answers from people, depending on where they originally lived. When I asked question of a former Californian, she talked as if she’d landed in Siberia, recounting snowfall and treacherous conditions meant for only wildest of beasts. When I asked same question of a native resident, he painted a beautiful picture of changing seasons, each more spectacular than last, and recounted wonderful memories of having fortune to grow up in such a picturesque land.

What’s difference here?

Their perception dictated their experience.

It’s like old stories about a bank robbery. The event could take place in broad daylight, with 30 eyewitnesses, yet each gives a completely different account of what he or she saw happen. It’s like when someone in your office or home says something to you, and you receive a different message than person intended.

Why does this happen?

I believe it’s because

Our perception determines our experience.

It works like this. I bet at one time or another we’ve all gone into a grocery store and noticed that everyone seemed happy, helpful, and cheery that day. Even people in checkout line were full of good spirits. Yet, when we’ve gone another day, we’ve had a completely different experience. We found people to be grumpy and in a bad mood—every one of them.