How to change the way you look at things
I peered out from among the ferns, swatting at mosquito’s the size of birds, my dashing companion at my side. I was ready for the battle ahead. I was certain of victory. As Kirstin, the pirate queen, I knew that I’d reign for all eternity in this magical land…but first I needed to conquer the waterfall that lay in front of me, daunting and yet taunting me to wrestle with my fear and take the leap.
At that point...I burst out of my mom’s garden with my faithful springer spaniel, Sherlock at my side and tackled the sprinkler. Squealing with delight as the spray stunned my face and soaked my halter top and cutoffs. I was 10 years old and my yard was a treasure trove of hiding spots – under the pine trees, the fort I built in the woods behind our house, the cozy cove of ferns in the front near the road.
Each providing a different perspective of my world. Ripening my imagination and allowing me to explore and discover my inner world. It was enchanting.
As I’ve grown into a woman, I realize that I take less time for imaginative play (please come over to build an adult fort!), but more importantly I’ve let my perspective, or the way I look at the world, become fixed and static, less open.
Unintentionally, I’ve made my world smaller. I’ve become a bit too entrenched in my own opinions and ideas. There’s less room in my mind and heart for alternatives.
My thinking and attitude are “I know what I know and there’s no point in looking at it another way.”
What I want? To rediscover my inner pirate, gypsy queen, diva rockstar, and Charlie’s Angel.
A shift in my perspective.
An opening up to receiving.
A karate chop to my ego.
It’s time to look at the world differently.
Through the same eyes but with more wonder, acceptance, and excitement. Like I did when I was 10 years old and conquering the Arctic on my way to the North Pole, my trusty dog Sherlock pulling our sled across the desolate wasteland of the back yard. That dog was always up for anything- what a trooper!
I’ve always been a list maker- checking off items give me a secret thrill. Here’s a few ways to shift your perspective:
· Take a different route- to work, on your morning run, to the grocery store, grandma’s house. If you find yourself always taking the same path, mix it up. Turn off any distractions and just observe your surroundings. You may discover a hidden gem like a new restaurant, a park, or that a neighbor has a new puppy.
· Eat in a different room or sit at a different spot at the table. Make a picnic on the living room floor or set up a table in the front yard. If you change what you look at- you’ll change what you’re observing and thinking.
· Learn about a different culture. If possible, go to a museum, check out a book, or take a virtual trip online. Absorb all you can about their beliefs, the traditions, art, history, etc.
· Join a new group. Take a class. Attend services at a different church. Any place where you can meet new people and be exposed to new ideas and ways of doing things.
· Read a book instead of watching television. Bonus points if it’s non-fiction. Check out the self help, history, or biography sections. Broaden your mind instead of watching the same episode of Friends for the 10th time.
· Volunteer – whatever’s calling to you. Give of your time and energy to a cause, whether it’s the humane society, the local food shelf, elder care or working with teens. Seeing the world through their eyes, will open yours.
In a world where so many see separation, it’s important to gain perspective and understand that we’re all connected. Opening your awareness and allowing your own ideas and opinions to evolve and become more inclusive benefits everyone, but mostly you.
It’s a chance to re-connect with the wonder and excitement you felt about the world when you were a child. When your fertile imagination could create the solution to any problem, including the best way to tackle the cascading waterfall and the sneaky alligator (lawn mower) that blocked your path.
It’s time to shake up things a bit and broaden your perspective.