1,000 Miles Per Hour

The earth makes 1 complete rotation every 24 hours.  That means that a person standing absolutely still is nevertheless moving.  Someone standing at the equator travels the circumference of the earth (25,000 miles) in 24 hours, at a velocity of approximately 1,000 miles per hour.

But it seems like I'm perfectly still...how is it possible that I don't notice this turning?  Because (a) the motion is constant and never changes and (b) everything else around me -- the air, the ground under my feet, the people around me -- is moving at exactly the same speed.

Our surroundings can make it hard to distinguish reality:  

• If all your friends and family spend several hours a day on Facebook, it may be difficult to discern how much time you really want to be on Facebook 
• If every person in your organization is constantly interrupting and talking over one another, it can be hard to see yourself clearly.  "No, no, I'm a good listener, just as good as everyone else"

But if your goal is to be true to who you are, to be the best you can be, it's useful to find reference points outside your usual sphere, to help you understand what's really happening, and make your own assessments.