Is 60 degrees F a comfortable temperature? A nice day on East Coast?

We live in New York. It is 60 F outside. Are we happy with that temperature? Is it a cold day, warm day, an OK day?

Well, it's all in perspective, isn't it?

In August, it will be called a cold day, the weather man will ask us to dress accordingly, and we will be searching for our sweater before we go out!

In November, we don't think about it at all because that is what we expect and are prepared for!

In January, that is a beautiful temperature day and we may be tempted to go out without a sweater, infact many times we do!

The temperature remained the same, our acceptance varied based on what we thought should be normal. Based on what we perceived as actual. Based on comparisons.

And this is how it works too in all phases of our lives. We are happy when we get a new car, unhappy when a neighbor gets a better one. We are happy to earn X amount but unhappy to find that our colleague is making X + 1. We expected to make 8 sales this month, but despite our best efforts, we made only 6 (which may be actually pretty good by industry standards but..). We look outside for our inner happiness, instead of looking within. A little change in this thinking can make all the difference.

All we have to do is set our standards and when we meet or exceed them, based on our own individual needs (not on someone else's), we enjoy our blessings. That standard will be our 60 degrees. Should we want 82 in August, November, and January? You bet! But 60 should be fine and not a cause of comments or concern, if that is all that is delivered to us.

Next time, let's look at why what we have doesn't look good enough. Are we using a wrong barometer? Then, look at those who don't have anywhere close to what we have. And then see the change in us, the feeling of gratitude within us. It's all in perspective. Aim high for success; never forget those who are less priviliged for stress free living.