Finding & Maintaining Perspective

I just finished a conversation with Tom. He's the electrician helping us with our renovations at Charged!(thank you Tom). He's still got the glow from his recent wedding, his second, that took place in June. I imagine many people who go through divorces find themselves in periods of reflection along the way, trying to figure out how and why things went wrong. Tom seems to think he's figured out a lot of those answers, and feels much more confident entering into this new commitment with a fresh and fortified perspective. 

It struck me how simply our conversation illustrated the idea of perspective. Perspective is a living concept, constantly being shaped and re-shaped by our own experiences. One could also deduce, pretty easily I think, that there are as many different perspectives out there as there are people on this earth. So, let's say many billions? Now imagine life offered you an a la carte menu of perspectives to choose from, each perfectly formed to bring complete understanding to whatever situation you find yourself in. Sounds utopian, right? Well, maybe it is, but I also think it's within one's reach. Look, I'm not advocating a life of perpetually shifting, superficial convictions. On the contrary; the ability maintain perspective often determines the likely success or failure of your endeavors.  But if there's one thing we know about life, it's that we don't know as much as we think we know. So to keep your life constantly progressing through a constantly changing landscape, it's helpful to have flexibility in your perspective.  

For example: I've come to realize that I'm one of those people who too often succumbs to the, "Forget It, Everything is Ruined" perspective. This is a peculiar observation, because I've always considered myself an optimist(I digress). But something very minor has the ability to get stuck in my head and ruin an entire day. Joli has recently employed a new(new to me) expression that I've really come to appreciate: "Turn It Around". In other words, find a fresh perspective and let's get on with it. It's amazing how well it works when you allow for fresh thinking.  

For example, to those of you reading who are dedicated to your workouts and overall wellness: You know how low you get when, GASP!, two or three days go by, and for whatever reason, you've been unable to workout, or have treated your body like a government experiment? The old "Forget It, Everything is Ruined" perspective can weigh heavily upon you. It's amazing how much precious time gets wasted, wallowing in self loathing. TURN IT AROUND! All that time heaving and sighing could have been spent outside running, playing with your daughter, reading a great book, hiking in the woods or having a beer and laughing with friends. Turn It Around.

However, sometimes the forces working against us are so intense that the ability to Turn It Around and apply a fresh, productive perspective, is impossible. This would be the time to dig deep into your core perspective, and rely upon the instincts that have gotten you through life as well as they have so far. Here's another perspective for you(and yes, a tired but very true cliche)…tomorrow is a new day. 

-B