But do you? Are preconceived notions limiting your experiences?
Preconceived notion – A belief held which is not based on evidence or experience
In “Green Eggs and Ham” the popular children’s book by Dr. Seuss, there are two main characters – Sam-I-Am and an unnamed narrator who we’ll refer to as a man for the purpose of this blog post. In the book, Sam-I-Am relentlessly tries to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham but he refuses. He insisted that he does not like it and would not like it anywhere, with anyone, under any circumstance. Eventually the narrator gives in to Sam-I-Am’s persistence, tries green eggs and ham, and loves it!
So why did the man say “I do not like green eggs and ham” if he had never even tried it?
Is it possible to dislike something based on perception alone? He certainly thought so.
But just how much do we know about a thing or an experience beforehand?
Sometimes we decide what we don’t like based on who is offering it – personal bias in play.
Sometimes we decide what we don’t like based on someone else’s account. We trust or believe that person, so we don’t bother to have the experience for ourselves.
Sometimes, we decide what we don’t like based on miscalculations and misconceptions. Our perception is just not accurate.
And sometimes we are just stuck in our own way. “I just want my eggs yellow.” 🤷🏽♀️
Since it is a children’s book I’m not sure how deep Dr. Seuss intended to get. But as an adult reader, I take levels of perspective away from this read.
First, an open mind yields wonderful experiences. Don’t miss out on tasty, exciting or empowering experiences because you have conceived them in your mind to be more difficult and unpleasant than they really are. You may be robbing yourself of joy.
Second, be honest with yourself and with others. Express that you’re afraid or unwilling and why. Tell others what you have perceived about a thing, person or experience that makes you apprehensive, so that any inaccuracies can be dispelled. The better you communicate the more support you receive. The truth doesn’t just set us free, it brings us together.
Third, be open to change. Even if you didn’t like it before, there’s no telling what you can grow to love.
Brace yourself. Shocking truth coming in 3…
…2
…1
I once HATED writing. 😂😂
Ok calm down. I’m exaggerating. But I’ll tell you this. As I sat in English Language class in high school I wasn’t thinking “boy I need to figure out how to make literature or language a part of my career”. In fact, I was often bored in English class and as a result quite disruptive.
I did not read much of anything. Even my textbooks. But now I love to read. I make a living reading!
You just never know when you might find a plate of green eggs and ham that you enjoy, even if you tried it before.
Intentionally Open,
Juanita Michelle
LMSW | Personal Mastery Coach | Lifestyle Blogger
Be Bold. Be Free. Be You. Period.