How Metaphors Shape your Life.

"Life is like a box of chocolates"

"Life is like a roller coaster"

"I feel like I'm going to blow up"

Metaphors symbols and words that we use in our lives to express ourselves to describe the world around us. Metaphors define our lives believe it or not, they shape our perception of reality if not more than regular words. The reason being metaphors help us create relationships about the world when we don't fully comprehend something they allow us to express ideas in a simple way. In doing so when we use such metaphors we link our vocabulary with a certain experience, event, or thought in our minds. This then turns into our reality, remember, thought is correlated with emotions and emotions direct to actions. Any perception of the world in our thoughts will be expressed in our actions. 

This leads me to another point we have to be careful with the the metaphors that we use as when we adopt them we also adopt the belief system that they come with unconsciously. When you say for example that "Life is a war" you are accepting all beliefs that come with that statement consciously and unconsciously. That might imply that you can die at any second,that another party might win or that you simply are against everyone. Can you see why metaphors have a great impact in our lives? They aren't just words or comparisons they are literally the way you interpret the world. 

Now then what if I have a metaphor that is limiting my life and subconsciously giving me a perception of the world I do not enjoy? Then you must break the pattern and allow yourself to accept a new empowering metaphor. In life there is also more than just general metaphors there is metaphors for everything. One of them could be like I feel, "I'm trapped in a cage". This metaphor in particular might reflect that you feel like you're stuck in your life or that you might not have the control to change your situation. It all comes down to mentality so what you must do is interrupt the pattern of this thinking.One way to do it is by saying something so silly that it will make you think something else. Back to the metaphor then you would say something to yourself along the lines of, "Then break the door" or "What materials are the bars made of". 

By doing this you will lead your train of thought away from your state. Since thought and emotions are linked when you break this pattern you break your emotion and now you can  lead your thoughts to something else. No longer being construed by your perception of reality. This is definitely the most powerful way that we can approach the metaphors and thoughts that dominate our lives. The best part is that you can do this not just with metaphors but also with the words and questions you ask yourself everyday in order to improve your life. 

Change your metaphors,change your thoughts and it'll change your life.