The meaning we give to an experience is unique to us. A butterfly landing on a sunflower can be a beautiful collection of colours to one person, but to another person it represents a visit from a beloved ancestor. We often believe that we know how an experience that we shared with others, effected them. But the truth is, the only way to know for sure is to ask them. Perspective is subjective.
Photo Of Courage
I like to collect photos of events that mean a lot to me. They are records of times when I felt specific emotions. One such photo is a picture of my family and me after we did a treetop obstacle course on holiday in British Columbia, years ago. To anyone looking at the photo, it seems like an ordinary holiday snap: a family standing together, wearing climbing harnesses, smiling in front of a map of the course. But for me that experience, represented a pivotal moment when I realized that I could overcome my life-long fear of heights and survive.
My Perspective
I was terrified to do the course. But, it started very low to the ground and very gradually got higher and higher in the trees. I focused on climbing over the obstacles, doing the zip-lines and scrambling over the nets. I was shaking the whole time. But, I wanted to show my young, daughter that I could do this even though I was afraid, and I did. Whenever I need to remind myself that I can do hard things, I look at that photo.
Connecting To The Meaning
Being able to connect to moments of strength, like that, have really helped me to move forward. They’ve reminded me of my courage when I felt scared or nervous. A simple holiday activity for my family, resulted in a source of strength for me for years to come. One experience, but totally different meanings.
Retired, And Now What? 
That sounds just like my experience, EXCEPT that I was the only one who didn’t make it to the other end, or at least not in the expected way. Instead, I had to turn backwards and reach the end with hand over hand woman power. Have I done it since then? Well, no.
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It was a “one and done” experience for me too. But, we did it!
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