Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life

What are you worried about? Your health? Your finances? Your job? Your relationships? Your security?

With the government in utter chaos and my work temporarily halted, I could be riddled with worry - and I was for about 48 hours - until I thought about perspective. Life is like a morning mist, here for a little while then suddenly gone. Who has ever added a single day to their life by worrying?  How do you know what life will be like tomorrow? 

I serve on the board of a nonprofit that helps families facing financial hardship due to health challenges. Over the past ten years, we've raised over half a million dollars to help 44 local families. A young husband and dad could not work due to his life-threatening medical diagnosis. A mom with six kids whose husband, the sole breadwinner, suddenly died of a heart attack. A child with a brain tumor. While one parent sat at the child’s hospital bedside for days, weeks, and months; the other one juggled a job and their home. 

These families can't catch a breath. They all have monthly living expenses and little to no income. They know firsthand how fleeting life is and determinedly make the most of their days with positive attitudes. I, on the other hand, have my health, little to no debt, and a relatively comfortable lifestyle and complain about insignificant setbacks.

With a fresh perspective and a grateful heart, I decided to focus on the positive things I can do every day to make a difference in the lives of others. Here are a few things I did last week:  Took my 87-year-old mom to two critical doctor appointments and took my grandbaby to visit her one afternoon. Who knows how much longer my mom will be around?  Snuggled with my precious grandbaby for two days while his parents worked. He'll be too big for snuggles in the blink of an eye.  Cooked delicious made-from-scratch meals for my family and had leftovers to share with others.  Helped a friend with career counseling.  Visited with my high school bestie and took her to visit my mom who was her Kindergarten teacher.  Solicited and collected donations for a silent auction for the above-referenced non-profit. 

While there is chaos all around me and the mist, at the moment, is like a dense morning fog that prevents me from seeing what lies ahead, I have determined to put one foot in front of the other and do what I can see to do today. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Worrying about it won't add another day to my life. Suddenly, the mist will rise, and my calendar will be full again and I will yearn for these quiet moments. Today is the present - a gift. I'm grateful and blessed to have my health, my friends, and a bright future.

Here are a few smart and savvy ways to change your perspective and possibly your life.

Journal. Self-reflect by free-writing about your situation. Then, ponder your words looking for insights and upsides to help regulate your emotions and change your perspective. 

Volunteer. Studies prove that volunteering boosts your social, emotional, and physical well-being. When you volunteer to help others who are struggling it helps you see things from a different perspective.

Empathize.  Put yourself in someone else's shoes. While your situation is unique and dire, there's almost always someone in a worse situation. Your perspective will change when you realize you are not alone. 

Gratitude. There's always something to be grateful for. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Your perspective will shift when you appreciate what you have. 

Joy. Do something that brings you joy every day. Engaging in activities you enjoy fosters a sense of purpose that can positively impact your overall outlook on life.

What is one thing you can do to change your perspective and possibly change your life?