Our Perspective On Life, And Why It Matters:
Simply put, perspective is how we view life. Life experience is different for each of us, even if we grew up in the same family. How we choose to think and feel about our experiences, forms our perspective. Having an understanding of another’s perspective, helps us determine whether we will or will not develop a healthy relationship (or, any relationship at all) with them.
While we can’t change our past experiences, we can change the way we look at them, and that can change our lives. Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see”. If childhood was a difficult experience for you, past relationships were unhealthy, or your career didn’t take the path you had hoped, and you have viewed your experiences through a judgmental, angry, or negative lens, change the lens! When we look at life through a positive lens, we create opportunities to learn, change, and grow. As we develop a positive life perspective, we can see our lives, not as a series of isolated experiences, but as pieces of the life we are choosing to live in the present and hope for in the future. Perspective is what allows us to empathize with and encourage others as they walk through a difficult time. A healthy perspective can help us to extend compassion without discounting the reality of what another may be experiencing.
We cannot change the past, and it’s not a good idea for us to allow ourselves to remain stuck back in time. If we want an abundant future, our point of choice is right here, right now, in the present moment. Something we can change, is our perspective. Like many skills, it may take practice. As judgement, anger, or guilt come up, speak release over them, and look for the life lesson to be learned from an experience.
I’m a life coach and minister. I am not a psychologist. I know from personal experience as well as from my clients that changing our perspectives can change our lives.
Blessings,
Coach M