FASCINATION

​"Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination: both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other." — Arthur Schopenhauer

During my recent trip to the crater rim of Mount St. Helens the Magic Word that came to mind was Fascination. There are many things in this life that we can't control, and we can either choose to be frustrated by this truth or we can choose to be fascinated.

When we're frustrated we tend to get out of the game, while when we're fascinated we tend to stay in the game.

We can't control everything. We can't control the emotions, words, and actions of others, and we can't control our DNA, the weather, or nature, but what we can control is how we respond.

The massive eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 was an event that could never have been controlled, but like responding to the words and actions of others, we can choose to take full responsibility of what we can control: how we respond to the situation.

As for the volcano, scientists chose to study the effects of the eruption to learn how to better prepare for similar incidences moving forward. As for the emotions, words, and actions of those around you, how can you learn from your current circumstances to inspire improved relationships moving forward?

The Magic Word Fascination reminds us that we have the choice to give up in the face of adversity, or to build ourselves up. As for me, I know what I choose, and I encourage you to stay fascinated as well.