The Gift of Perspective by Arnie Wohlgemut
By nature, I have an optimistic spirit. That does not mean I do not have my down times or periods where I struggle to find a benefit of the situation or anxiety I am feeling.
- Optimism is a choice
This I learned through experience that optimism is a choice. A choice to see the benefit of each adversity.
You may have a natural bent towards pessimism. If that is the case and you choose to be optimistic, you will have a fight every day of your life.
“We all tend to see things from our limited perspective, but our view of how things ‘should’ be causes most of the suffering in our lives.”
Lynne Goldberg
We recognize that what we look for is what we tend to see,” says Goldberg in an interview with Bustle. So, instead of looking for an outcome that is negative or some flaw, look for something positive that can be beneficial or add to your life, rather than diminish an area of its worth.
“There’s something wonderfully freeing about realizing the world can and will keep turning without you. Completely stepping away from work for a time gives us the gift of perspective.”
Elizabeth Grace Saunders
A friend of mine recently said that the Covid19 pandemic was a blessing. She learned about things that are really important to her. She had a chance to re-evaluate her business and do a test run of what future retirement might be like. She also made key decisions for a new business she had dreamed about starting for some time now.
She has made a choice to see the benefits of what could have easily been a high anxiety situation.
- Optimism does not guarantee immediate positive results
It will not provide immediate outward change or immediately change your circumstances.
But an optimistic spirit can provide immediate inward change.
“Change your mental attitude, and the world around you will change accordingly.”
Napoleon Hill
You may have to work hard at developing that optimistic spirit. For example: determine to hang around optimistic people; determined to read positive thinking type books, articles, and blogs.
- Optimism requires a change in perspective
“Replace negative thoughts with something more positive. Practice focusing on the positive thoughts. The more you practice, the easier it will be for these thoughts to become second nature.”
Erika Fay, LMFT
When flying from one location to another, airline pilots change the elevation of their flight path. The primary way for avoiding turbulence is to go to a higher elevation where the atmosphere is clear.
Consider the bigger picture when forming a perspective on something. Think of how this one perspective or negative thoughts hold up within the larger picture or real-world effects.
By widening our lens to the bigger picture, we begin to see things more clearly.
Strive to say at least three positive thoughts about yourself each day, as it can make you feel happier and more confident during the day and help banish negative thoughts.
“By being mindful of our thoughts and deliberately turning them around to be more positive and optimistic, we can, over time, create new neural pathways so that our overall disposition is happier.”
Ben Feder
Practice these things, make them second nature to who you are. I did, and my life is much more peaceful and enjoyable as a result.
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