Windows are an exciting and valuable part of the architecture of any building. And they can not only say a lot about the building itself, but also about the people living behind them. Are they messy like some of our neighbors, with windows that look like they have never been cleaned…ever? Are the people in the windows constantly looking out at the world and keep an eye on everyone, waving to those passing by on the street? Do the windows ever get to be opened to let in the fresh air or are they sealed shut?

When you live in an apartment building, I think windows might become more interesting and vital than ever before. And in the city, windows are certainly everywhere! From our apartment, I see several walls of windows and small balconies. And I have to admit that sometimes when I’m at my desk or doing things in the apartment, I love to sneak a peak at the neighbors to see what they are doing and how their lives seem to be going.

Windows on a building usually serve some sort of purpose; either to let sunlight in or give a bit of ventilation. And if you’re lucky, your windows will really make a statement. It may be a tell-tale sign that it’s one of the few buildings on the block that survived the bombings of WWII. Or the curved windows that can just barely be glimpsed from our kitchen window, reminding us that one of the most plentiful arrays of shopping excitement lays just minutes from our front door at KaDeWe and Ku’Damm.

But there are figurative windows too, which allow people to look through our eyes and see deep into our hearts and souls. With just the most simple thing as a smile, you can brighten someone’s day and maybe even your own, regardless of how bad the day has been.

George Bernard Shaw said, “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”

So the real question is, what are reflecting through your ‘windows’? And just how dirty are they? Is your personal view of yourself causing your to have a warped and dismayed view of everything else around you? Are your views on life, your job, your family, and more being skewed just because you’re not happy with your appearance, or or your performance at certain tasks?

Do your windows need a good cleaning? Have they been fogged over for too long or covered in grime? Don’t let one aspect of your life upset your balance or trigger unhappiness in everything you do.

Stop putting off all those things on your to do list or all of your projects, and find a way to take things in baby steps. Do 15 minutes here and there to make progress. Find a way that you can improve your health if that is what troubles you. Make the first move to create a fun date night or reignite the flame. Get the courage to ask for that promotion you’ve been wanting — or setup a plan to start your own business.

Whatever it is that is holding you down today, it’s time to get out the rag, clean off the window and start looking at things with a better perspective right now.