PERSPECTIVE PATHWAY

I thought I’d share some wisdom that resonates with me. These bits of advice, though simple, carry profound truths that can shape our outlook and transform our experiences.

“It’s only a thought, and a thought can be changed.” Initially, this phrase seemed too simple to hold any real power. But as time goes on, the meaning has become even more clear.

Every day, our minds are like bustling marketplaces, filled with around 10,000 thoughts. It's incredible how much our thoughts can vary, from hopeful whispers to nagging doubts. It's like having a bunch of cameras in our heads, each capturing a different view of the world. Scientists say our brains use these thoughts to shape our perspective, kind of like puzzle pieces fitting together.

Our brains are wired to notice patterns. It's like having built-in detectives constantly scanning our surroundings for clues. This ability helps us make sense of the world and predict what might happen next. When it comes to perspective, our brain's pattern-recognition skills play a big role. They help us interpret information and form opinions based on past experiences and the things we've learned.

It's like our brains have a giant library filled with memories and knowledge. When we encounter something new, our brains pull from this library to make sense of it. Sometimes, our past experiences can influence our perspective without us even realizing it. It's like wearing tinted glasses that color how we see everything. So, being aware of our past experiences can help us understand why we see things the way we do and be open to new perspectives.

Many of these thoughts, believe it or not though, lean towards the negative side, coloring our perspective of doubt and worry. But here's the fascinating part: by recognizing that these thoughts are just one perspective among many, we gain the power to shape our outlook. Just as we can choose which fruits to pick in a market, we can choose which thoughts to entertain and which ones to let pass by. This shift in perspective opens up a world of possibilities, allowing us to see the beauty and potential in every moment.

Similarly, the adage, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”. This is how powerful our way of seeing things can be. Simply changing how we look at something can create a huge difference. It's like having a magic wand that can transform a dull day into a bright one.

By shifting our perspective, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities that we might not have noticed before. It's a bit like trying on different glasses to see which one gives us the clearest view.

It's freeing to realize we can decide which thoughts to focus on and which ones to ignore.  Realizing we have the power to choose which ones to listen to is like finding a key to unlock a door. It means we don't have to let negative thoughts stress us out. Instead, we can focus on the positive that help us feel calm and happy. It's like having a shield that protects us from getting overwhelmed by tough situations.

Hold onto this power and use it to stay strong and peaceful, no matter what challenges show up.

Life is a big adventure with lots of different paths to explore. How we see things can change how we feel about our journey. When we look at things with gratitude and hope, even tough times are chances to learn and grow.

Sometimes, people see things in totally different ways - everyone's journey is different. What makes one person happy might not work for someone else. But by being open to other people's perspectives, we can learn a lot by listening to their thoughts and ideas.

In my own life, there have been moments of doubt and hardship, where the path seemed pretty bleek. Yet, I always strived to look at the bright side to find the meaning and joy in all that I did (and still do).  Some days this is easier done than others.

I found working full time, being a wife, mother, caregiver and volunteer quite draining somedays. There were times when even the simplest tasks were challenging.  To this day, I still have some pretty intense moments but I have found peace by changing my focus. It might seem impossible to find joy when you have so much to do every day and the burdens are heavy. But even in the busiest of times, we can still find happiness by acknowledging what we love about the person or situation - even if it's just a little at a time.

While not discounting the challenges and feelings, it's important to keep moving forward and find happiness in what we do, even when things are tough.

We can’t just ignore when we’re feeling down or frustrated as ignoring those feelings won't make them go away but we can try to understand why we feel that way.  By changing our perspective even a little, we can navigate better.

The same is true in other areas of our lives.  It’s not about finding the perfect job or achieving constant happiness; it’s about cultivating a mindset of gratitude and purpose in every aspect of what we do. Whether we’re pursuing our dreams or simply finding moments of joy in the mundane, there is beauty and joy to be found.

Another thought on perspective is how it influences our judgment of others, even if those judgments aren't always fair.

Consider the topic of a glass being half-full or half-empty. Some folks might say, "The glass is half-full," focusing on what's already in it, feeling positive about it. On the other hand, some might say, "The glass is half-empty," focusing on what's missing, feeling a bit pessimistic. Both viewpoints are right in their own way. The half-full folks see potential and feel grateful for what's there, while the half-empty folks may see room for improvement or feel cautious. It all depends on which side you're standing; both views are valid.  For this example, personally I tend to have a more realistic view – neither full nor empty – I just have to fill the darn thing.

Same holds true with the number 9 or 6 from different sides. Those seeing it as a 6 might say, "It's a 6!" and those seeing it as a 9 might argue, "No, it's a 9!" Both perspectives are obviously correct based on where you're standing.  Unfortunately, we often stick to our guns because we are so confident that we are correct.  And we are BUT so could they be.  Looking at the same situation from different angles; what you see depends on your viewpoint.

Both angles do make sense.

In the heat of the moment when we're so sure we're right, we tend to forget others might have good reasons for their views. When two people see different sides of the same coin, it's important to pause and take a breath, especially when things get tense. In those moments, if we try to see things from the other person's perspective, we might start to understand them better. This process can take some practise especially if you have a bit of a stubborn side (my hands up - guilty). Implementing definitely requires a conscious effort.

Knowing they may have experiences or reasons we haven't thought about is worth considering. Being open to other people's views doesn't mean we're giving up our own; it just means we're willing to learn and grow. Taking that moment to understand others can make a big difference in how we communicate and relate to each other.

So, as we navigate all the complexities life throws our way, it’s important to remember the power of perspective. Thoughts are fleeting and changeable, a simple shift in viewpoint can bring new possibilities to light.  Loving what you do – even when it feels like work lightens the load.  Whistle while you work and suddenly the tasks don't seem as daunting. When your heart is in what you're doing, it's like a gentle breeze pushing you forward, making each step feel easier.

Look for the positive in each moment, let it fill your days with joy, and soon, even the toughest tasks will be easier to tackle. 

As far as our interactions with others, understanding where they are coming from fosters empathy and deepens connections. With a fresh perspective, we can overcome misunderstandings and nurture stronger bonds.

I think it’s time to embrace new viewpoints, because in the end, it's the willingness to see things differently that truly enriches our lives.

After all, they’re just thoughts—and thoughts can be changed.