This lesson is all about keeping things in perspective, or to look at the glass as half full. My teenage daughter would equally effectively snap back half under her breath “…first world problems”. This is a lesson that I remind myself of as often as I can. I find it especially helpful on days when I am feeling down over some seemingly significant problem.
Let’s begin with an idea floated during World War II, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. While many of us may not be familiar with Maslow or the historical aspects of his theory development, we all basically get this concept instinctively. First our physical needs to be met, then our safety needs to be secured, after this we seek love and belonging, if all of this is in place we pursue issues of self-esteem, followed by self-actualization, and ultimately if we are super lucky self-transcendence. There aren’t going to be any tests, no need to take notes, just remember if you don’t have food in your belly you aren’t too concerned with whether or not that cute guy calls you back or whether or not you get that promotion that you feel entitled to, let alone feel a sense of purpose.
This is not to say that many of us don’t struggle from time to time with the more basic needs. It is also not to say that there are not millions of folks right here in our rich beautiful powerful creative generous nation who are unsure where their next meal will come from. Some of us here may have experienced this at some point, maybe this week. But, much of the world is stuck scrambling around at the base of this pyramid trying to get clean water, adequate calories, and protection from animals, the elements, and even from other people similarly struggling.
Nearly a quarter of all humans lack adequate shelter. About half this many do not have safe water to drink or adequate food. It is estimated that between 35% and 40% of people live under authoritarian rule of some form. Hundreds of millions of people live in war zones. Roughly a third of all women worldwide are believed to be victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Cholera, Aleppo, dictators, famine—the world is a dangerous unforgiving place to many.
You and I likely have food and shelter. We likely have people who love us. We have challenges and barriers….but we also have skills and talents. We have love and serendipity and angels watching over us. Being overlooked for a deserved promotion is hurtful, but it is not stage four cancer. As long as our base is solid we can always rebuild, add-on, upgrade, dream! Literally billions of people the world over, and billions more from by-gone generations would love to have (or have had) the supposed “worst case scenario” that we fear lies before us. The truth is that the glass is both half full and half empty, or more likely, 80% full and 20% empty. The glass does not change; our perception of the glass changes. As our perceptions change, so too does our mind/body. As our mind/body changes our world changes, including the glass. Be brave, be kind, be honest, and have gratitude.
