I’ve been following Andy Andrews lately and listening to his podcast called In The Loop. Truly great stuff…and I have found a few more books I have to add to my reading list. This morning I stumbled across an excerpt from one of those books called The Noticer. It said:

I recounted a real memory of a meal I shared with Jones, (the book’s central character). He had invited me to join him on a sand dune near the ocean for what he called a “feast.” This “feast” turned out to be Vienna sausages and sardines. As we began the meal, he asked me what I was eating.

Puzzled, and a little annoyed by what the “feast” had turned out to be, I said, “I’m eating sardines and Vienna sausages.” “Where?” he responded.
Still annoyed, I answered, “In the sand.”

He responded with something extraordinary that still affects me to this day:
“Young man, you see only the sand at your feet and what you are eating that you wish was something else. I don’t tell you this as a rebuke; you are very ordinary in your views. Most people are just like you, disgusted with themselves for what they are and what they eat and what they drive. Most of us never stop to think that there are quite literally millions in this world who lack our blessings and opportunities, have no food to eat at all, and no hope of ever owning a car.”

Then, he really hit me with something: “Incidentally, you ate sardines and Vienna sausages in the sand. I dined on surf and turf with an ocean view. It’s all about perspective.”

What’s your perspective? How do you look at your life, your circumstances, your friends, your family, your surroundings? So many times I have to admit that I feel the “woe is me” attitude creep in and I need to keep it in check. We are all very fortunate regardless of what it appears is on our plate.

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