Remember that new word you learned, the one that you never thought you had seen before, the one that starts popping up everywhere? Yes, that’s the one! It is like it never existed before yesterday, and all of a sudden, it is everywhere. Rest easy, the word isn’t supernatural. Your brain is simply having fun with you.

Welcome to frequency illusion, a nifty combination of selective attention and cognitive bias. In other words, when you learn something new, your brain keeps it fresh and easily accessible. And, since yourbrain has positioned the new word front and center, you recognize it more as you go about your day.

Not only will you notice it, but you will also mentally search for and interpret information in a way that confirms what you believe. It’s devious — and brilliant. Bravo, brain!

This happens with more than just words. While camping this past weekend, I experienced frequency illusion. Whenever I’m outside, I look for wild edibles, food. I get a kick out of finding really tasty plants, easily accessible to all, yet seen by only a few who take the time to learn.

My daughter was camping with us, and she, too, enjoys finding the hidden goodies nature provides. She confirmed the presence of wood sorrel or sour grass, right at our campsite. This tiny, lemony plant has eluded me. I’ve seen pictures and read descriptions. But without understanding its size in comparison to other plants, my mind turned a blind eye and wouldn’t let me discover it. Once she opened my eyes, I could suddenly see it everywhere! When we got home, it is all I could see in my very own backyard.

It’s been estimated that there are more than 400,000 species of plants on earth, at least half of which are edible for humans. And yet we consume just a tiny fraction of that. In fact, it’s been reported that 90% of the plants we consume as humans come from a mere 20 different plant species. I believe the same is true of life and the way we choose to live life. We are each capable of so much more than we know. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, we are tapping into a fraction of what is available to us.

We look at objects or situations and do not truly understand their value. We feel inadequate to meet or overcome a challenging situation. We can’t seem to see a solution, even though it might be right in front of our eyes. Imagine what would happen in our lives if we could turn those paradigms upside down. If we could just open our eyes and truly see; that’s when the magic happens.

Are you feeling stressed about what is going on in your life? Consider this; it isn’t life that is stressful, rather, it is the way you think about your particular situation that is causing you a good deal of grief.

Most often, we are our own worst enemy when it comes to making positive changes or reducing conflict. It isn’t even our fault, per se. We just haven’t learned how to take advantage of the opportunity to see.

But there is much value within reach, ripe for picking. It’s like walking across your backyard and seeing weeds when really what you have is a lovely summer salad.

We all have an abundance of abilities, though we settle for a few tried and true behaviors — whether they work for us or not. Why do we keep grabbing from the same set of skills in life? Is it because those select few reside in our comfort zone? Was it what we were taught and, therefore, how it should be?

Perhaps. But know this, your comfort zone can, safely, be broader without negatively impacting your life or the lives of others. Just like learning which plants are edible and which are toxic, some behaviors are beneficial, some are toxic. Be sure you are identifying and using your newfound tools correctly. When we take a moment and allow ourselves to see things in a new light, our lives become richer and have more value. We might even help someone else see anew.

Don’t allow the treasures of life to pass you by unnoticed. Bend a little. Push aside the toxicity. Find the yumminess. Regardless of your current situation, I guarantee there is joy and hope within reach. There is richness and peace available. Yes, life can be tough. It can be downright mean at times. But the human spirit is limitless. Truly. We are only confined by our own thoughts.

Lesslee Dort is a board-certified patient advocate who firmly believes knowledge is power when it comes to being in control of one’s health. She spends her days helping others navigate their health care, and her free time exploring. Reach Lesslee via email at lesslee@friendstogethermi.org. Read her here the third Thursday of each month.