/pərˈspektiv/noun
1. the art of drawing solid objects on a 2D surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other.
2. a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
I love these two definitions. The first definition is referring to the art of drawing a 2D image to look as if it is in a 3D world. If you were to look at the drawing, ideally the objects would have depth to them, but pick up the paper, and you realize they were drawn flat on a 2D surface.
The second definition appears to relate more to our lives. It refers to your attitude toward something. Your attitude is something you can change. YOU are in control of your attitude.
Sometimes when life throws us lemons, it’s hard to remember how to make lemonade. When things feel uncertain or challenging (particularly now during the COVID-19 pandemic) remember that your perspective is a tool in your tool box to get through trying times. If you’re overwhelmed with negative emotions such as feeling anxious, scared, uncertain, fearful, frustrated, or whatever it may be, ask yourself if you can change your perspective to help you work through the problem. It may not dissipate all of the struggle, but facing the issues head on with the right mindset, will make the world of difference.
Tried and True Tips & Tricks:
1. Ask: “Is this real? Or a story I'm creating?”
If I look at the facts of this situation, how much of my stress is coming from “what if” situations that aren’t real?
2. Step outside of your perspective.
What would this look like if I wasn’t in the middle of it? What advice would I give a friend in this situation? That is a hack I have used for years! For some reason I’m much more level headed when giving friends advice, probably because I’m not emotionally wrapped up in their situation. Try it!
3. Actively choose how to view and respond in this situation.
There are many things in life that are out of control, but your attitude, and your effort are completely controllable. We get to make the choice to CHOOSE joy. We get to make the choice to CHOOSE a positive attitude. We get to CHOOSE to look at our situations from another perspective, be grateful for where we are and count our blessings. No one else can do that for you.
4. Arm yourself with the perspectives you want.
The Law of the Inner Circle is the concept that we are a compilation of the 5 people we spend the most time with, and I believe, that includes our social media influences. Are there people you follow on social media who always make you doubt yourself or make you feel unworthy in some way? UNFOLLOW the accounts that make you feel inferior. You have the power to curate what influences you are consuming on social media! Use it!
Take a moment and close your eyes.
Inhale for 4 counts.
Hold for 4 counts.
Exhale for 4 counts.
Hold for 4 counts.
That is called box breathing. Do this a few times, and remind yourself you are okay. You are here. You are breathing. Things will work out. Think of 4 things you are grateful for in this moment. Small or large. It doesn’t matter.
Remember that you are strong and you can do hard things.
This too shall pass.
