An open mind

Have you ever heard the saying, “A mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open”? It seems perfectly natural to approach life with a fixed set of beliefs and expectations. It can make your life feel more safe and predictable. We sometimes refer to this as having a fixed mindset. It can actually restrict your ability to experience the world because of your narrow focus. You may be avoiding experiences that expand your potential. Yourself-talk may consist of “I don’t understand why people are that way” or “What you see is what you get.” There is little effort put forth to expand how you see the world and the people within it. When you choose to have an open mind, you open yourself up to possibilities. Your self-talk becomes “I never thought of what is happening in this way” or “Trying something new might be exciting.” Your world begins to open up to new experiences and ways of thinking. You view of other people begins to change and you may be open to initiating different types of relationships. There is a sense of freedom that accompanies adopting an open mind. You are no longer shackled by old beliefs that were created by a fixed mindset. You see the advantages of a new growth mindset and pursue opportunities to be more of what you were meant to be. Just for today are you functioning more with an open mind or one that is closed?

‍