“People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.” ~ Epictetus

People tend to filter the things that happen to them through their past experiences. The subconscious colors the current event through the lens of the past. It may be a completely different place and person, but the subconscious doesn’t know that. Therefore, it’ll judge the situation according to outdated information. Just because a poodle nipped your ankle when you were nine doesn’t mean your friend’s dog will do it now. It’s not the present animal that is affecting your emotions, but your perception of the canine that’s disturbing you.

~ Linda-Ann Stewart