There is water running down my windows but it is not raining. The air outside is like a sauna. It is steamy and thick.

Why is it that when I pay to visit a sauna, I enjoy the sensation? But, when I am trying to mow my lawn, enjoyment is not the word I am looking for. Perspective.

So much of our thought process has to do with the way our brain is wired based on our past experiences and encounters. A trip to the the spa is supposed to be fun….therefore the same level of heat and misery that if experienced outdoors would be oppressive, is instead considered a rare treat. Perspective.

In the 1980’s, at a youth camp, I was introduced to the GIGO principle. Garbage In. Garbage Out. The speaker explained that what we read, discuss and encounter can actually change our brains. We grow and prune dendrites throughout our lives. What we feed into our brains can actually overtime rewire us.

We know a lot more about our brains now. But the concepts hold true. The brain loves novelty and is up to 20 times more likely to dwell on the negative or anything perceived as a threat. Advertisers and media conglomerates know this. Commercials and news headlines are designed to grab your attention and keep you engaged with their brand. Perspectives.

Over time, the pathways and patterns solidify into your default. Your worldview. A sauna is a luxury. Mowing the grass is torture. The world is safe and good. The world is scary and bad. People have value and worth and should be treated with dignity. People are evil and must be feared. Perspective.

The good news is that you can change your brain. I choose to have an attitude of gratitude. I am so thankful that I have a lawn and a riding mower. I am thankful that my husband is doing the weed eating. I am thankful for the breeze and the shade on this day with the heat index at 120•. I am thankful for the air conditioning and that I have electricity and the means to pay the bill. I am thankful for running water and the bath tub that awaits. Perspective.

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Wire your brain for goodness. Perspective.