Experience = Opinion

I realised the other day that your opinion or perception of something greatly depends on the experiences you’ve had.

A while ago we were in Tzaneen and Anika held and touched a tame lion cub.  Looked like a teddy bear, and in her own mind she believed – from that day – that lions are harmless.  A few months later we had an encounter with some very aggressive baboons at Swadini – they almost attacked us and took some of our food – they didn’t even back off when we tried to scare them away.  So she is – from that day – VERY scared of baboons.

When we were in the Kruger National Park over the weekend, we passed some baboons and lions.  When we got to the lions she almost climbed out of the window in order to get a better view.  We had to tell her to get back into the car and close the window.  But when we passed the baboons – from a much further distance than the lions – she freaked out and insisted that we close ALL the windows immediately.

So yes – I believe your opinion about something greatly depends on your past experiences.

We’ve always had a very bad opinion about our local hospital based on one previous experience, and gladly I can say now that our last visit was way better.

…Maybe you don’t like someone – or someone doesn’t like you – maybe its time to forget past experiences and give it one more try.

Maybe you will be surprised – maybe you don’t know what you are missing out on.

So go out, try again – maybe this time the experience will change your opinion!  …just make sure you don’t go and touch a WILD lion!