"أحيانا نرى العالم كما نحن عليه، وليس كما هو."

This quote captures the idea that our perception of the world is often influenced by our own emotions, experiences, and biases, rather than reflecting reality objectively. It's like looking through a pair of colored glasses; everything you see is tinted by the lens you're wearing. This way of seeing things can lead us to misunderstand situations or people because we’re projecting our internal state onto the external world.

Historically, this concept has roots in psychology and philosophy. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, talked about the concept of "projection" where individuals project their own unconscious thoughts and feelings onto others. More recently, it’s been echoed in various self-help books and motivational speeches as a reminder to be mindful of our own internal biases.

Imagine you’re having a really bad day. You woke up late, spilled coffee on your shirt, and had an argument with your partner. By the time you get to work, everything feels like it's going wrong. A colleague who normally just says a quick “good morning” and walks by suddenly seems rude and dismissive. But is your colleague actually being rude, or are you just interpreting their usual behavior through the lens of your bad mood? In reality, they might just be busy or distracted.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by checking in with yourself when you notice strong reactions to situations or people. Ask yourself, “Is my reaction about what's really happening, or is it about how I'm feeling inside?” Take a moment to step back and consider other perspectives. It’s like hitting the pause button to make sure you’re seeing things clearly.

Here’s a relatable story that illustrates this idea: Think about a time when you were feeling particularly insecure. Maybe you were trying something new and felt out of your depth. During that period, every little comment from others might have felt like criticism. Your friend’s suggestion to “try doing it this way” might have seemed like an attack on your abilities, when in reality, they were just trying to help. Your feelings of insecurity colored your perception, making you see negativity where there was none.

To practice this in everyday life, you can start by being more aware of your own emotional state. Keep a journal or just take a mental note of your mood and major events each day. When you find yourself having a strong reaction, think back to how you were feeling before the situation occurred. This can help you identify patterns and separate your emotions from reality.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, and they seem distracted, looking at their phone more than usual. It’s easy to think, “They must be bored with me” or “They don’t care about our conversation.” But before jumping to conclusions, consider what else might be going on. Maybe they received an important text, or maybe they’re stressed about work. By checking in with yourself and considering other possibilities, you can prevent misunderstandings and maintain a clearer view of reality.

In essence, remember that your mind is like a filter—sometimes it’s worth cleaning it out to ensure you’re seeing the world as it truly is, not just as you are.