As we begin a new year, I couldn’t help but think about how no one can truly see the world exactly as it is. Our experiences and perspectives shape the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Think about it – a person with hearing loss experiences the world differently than someone with synesthesia, and a rock climber views a steep slope differently than an elderly person might. Even two people with seemingly similar experiences, like an optimist and a pessimist, can perceive opportunities differently. And yet, each person’s perception of the world is correct for them, because it is their unique experience of it.

But while it may not be possible to see the world exactly as it is, there is still an opportunity for us to experience it in a useful way. We can work on our habits, filters, and instincts to better engage with the world and the choices we make. This is something that I have personally been striving to do, and I encourage you to do the same.

So let’s make today the start of a new pattern – one where we strive to experience the world in a way that is useful and meaningful for us. Who knows what we may learn and discover along the way?