Could Be Good...Could Be Bad

• Perception (per·cep·tion): The process of using the senses to acquire information about the surrounding environment or situation.

• Reality (re·al·i·ty): Actual being or existence, as opposed to an imaginary, idealized, or false nature.

As true as the aforementioned definitions are…in our human existence, “perception” is reality for most. It doesn’t have to be fact to be believed as such. It's purely a point of view based on the information we are provided measured against our experiences that either confirm or deny what's being presented. The following parable of the farmer says it all:

Once there was a farmer who only had one horse to till the land from which his family survived. One day, the horse unexpectedly took off into the wilderness to never be seen again. The townspeople heard of this and in with sympathy shared with the farmer, “This is terrible what has happened to you and your family. We are so sorry for you.”

To which he replied, “Well, could be good…could be bad.”

Several weeks went by when the farmer’s horse returned and brought a herd of wild horses with him. The townspeople heard of this and with excitement shared with the farmer, “What wonderful news we’ve heard. Your horse not only returned, but also brought with him several others for your use. This is great!”

To which the farmer replied, “Well, could be good…could be bad.”

As the farmer’s son was riding one of the wild horses to break him for use on their land, he was violently thrown off and broke his leg. The townspeople heard of this and with shock shared with the farmer, “We are so sorry to hear that your son broke his leg taming one of the wild horses. This is terrible news.”

To which the farmer replied, “Well, could be good…could be bad.”

While the farmer’s son was recovering from his broken leg, the militia stopped by the farmer’s house to recruit his son for the ongoing war. Realizing that his leg was broken, he was unable fight in the war as a soldier. The townspeople heard of this and with joy shared with the farmer, “We are so excited for you that your son doesn’t have to fight in the war due to his injury. What great luck you’ve had.”

To which the farmer replied, “Well, could be good…could be bad...”

Which is it? All depends on your perspective doesn't it. If this be true, the value in recognizing the balance in all things can support those wanting to discover their full potential in not getting to high nor low when faced with life occurrences. As Shakespeare wrote over four centuries ago in Hamlet, “For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” Choose wisely.

Believe…