Opportunity surrounds us; we need only recognize it for what it is. Even during times of economic and other types of hardship, it presents itself. Yet many people are so focused on looking for opportunity that they fail to see it, even when it’s right in front of them. What I have learned is to stop merely looking for opportunity and start recognizing it – because it is everywhere. We just may need to see if through different eyes.

To me, there is more than a semantic difference between looking and seeing. To “look” seems to be passive, accepting, and non-analytical. That is, we observe things in front of us, collecting the images that present themselves in our range of vision. In contrast, to “see” seems to be active, questioning, and analytical. We perceive meaning in the objects or actions that we have “collected” through the act of looking, we recognize or identify patterns, we interpret and make sense of what is there by creating a context for it. Thus looking is a necessary but not sufficient precursor to recognizing opportunity. We have to take the next step if we are to find it.

If we seek opportunity, we will find it. Look around you with the intention of recognizing the help that is offered. Sometimes there are obstacles that prevent us from seeing it. Ego and stubbornness are two that I am well acquainted with; in retrospect, I realize that both have prevented me from seeing or taking advantage of opportunities that were mine for the asking. As a result, some life experiences have been harder than necessary. The lesson for me: though the opportunity may not be exactly what I had in mind, I would be well served to accept it for the lesson I can learn. We each retain the right to choose whether to recognize and receive opportunity, or to reject it. Why not learn the lessons that are offered, even if they don’t seem to be what we want or need at the moment?

How often do we refuse the help or the gifts that are offered? Perhaps they take the form of a person who is willing and able to help us, yet we fail to receive the opportunity he or she represents. What are we losing out on when we make these choices? Imagine how different our lives would be if we started recognizing the opportunity that is offered! How can we learn to see rather than merely to look?

Begin by becoming aware of the differences between looking and seeing. Actively seek the meaning in people, things, and actions around you. Put your ego aside and be open to receiving from others. I have found that even simple things will help me practice recognizing opportunities both large and small. For example, receive a stranger’s smile, a child’s curious stare, a door opened for you (literally or figuratively). Accept the opportunity with thanks, and you will find yourself experiencing the world in a different way.

© 2010 Pat Lynch. All rights reserved.

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