I’ve heard that perception can make a big difference when things don’t seem positive and leave a bad taste or feeling.

I often feel frustrated when taking the bus and wish I had a car to have more control over my transportation. Even though I know having a car doesn’t guarantee getting to my destination quickly, I still prefer the feeling of being in control.

So I happened to be with a group of girls the other day talking about a variety of issues, and I brought up my negative feelings I have about taking the bus, especially since I’ve been gun-ho about getting my driver’s license back and have this glorified vision of being able to drive again and how much joy I think that would bring me.

Carmella, one of the ladies, who never speaks too much when it comes to negativity, suddenly quipped in. She said to the group, but mainly in response to my complaint, “I feel like a princess when I ride the bus. I like being able to get on and not worry about anything while the driver takes me to my destination. I can read my book, enjoy the sites, brush my hair or put on make-up if need be. I’ve been taking the bus for 43 years, have never had a license, and I feel just fine.”

Oh my gosh. Talk about such an explosive way to look at the situation. And what a nice way to put me back into check.

I love that. I’ve been now getting on the bus, somewhat pretending I’m Cinderella, while being driven to wherever it may be; the store, to the other side of town, or even to the beach.

The definition of perception according to Oxford languages is “a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.”

That really gave me a new look on a lot of things I may find negative, or not to my liking. I plan to perceive things from a brighter lens on my daily experiences.