“Distance lends enchantment to the view” Thomas Campbell
Sometimes it seems much easier to solve other people’s problems than our own. They look so much tinier in comparison.
This reminds me of the first time my son noticed a change in perspective. We were walking along a farm road with ploughed fields on both sides and, way off in the distance, a tractor. My son, about 3 years old at the time, noticed that the tractor was growing in size as we approached it. First it was minute then eventually it was way bigger than both of us.
It’s the same thing with other people’s problems. And then the danger is, when you get close enough, they hand you their rucksack and walk off with a relieved smile, not noticing that you are now carrying two rucksacks and wearing no boots.
What to do?
Trade both rucksacks for a pair of boots. Or simply put them down gently on the side of the road with a sign saying “help yourself”. Don’t look inside them one last time in case you might need anything in there. You don’t!
The mind is an enormous rucksack. It’s our job to empty it, rather than fill it. Or as some wise person once said, “Fill your rucksack only with moonbeams.”