Shifting My Perspective

Monday, September 21, 2009....


A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an entry about a passage I read in Lovely Bones (Crayons) which had me thinking of why I was basically stuck in status quo.

I've noticed that I have a tendency to quickly access a situation and before I even start, I always imagine the worst possible outcome and give up before I even begin.

Ever since I wrote that entry, I've noticed I actually enjoy focusing on just the 'process', but have still yet to shift my perspective on anything.

Until today.

As part of my infamous birthday week, I spent yesterday afternoon writing in my journal for close to an hour. I've been keeping journals for 3 decades and although I do not write in them daily, I can't imagine not writing in them on a semi regular basis. It's a great place for me to rant, work out a situation or just cry on a page. After each entry, I'm always left with same feeling I have after I meditate. Today was no different.

Today, after I finished, I realized that I needed to shift my perspective on how I view a situation. Lately, I've only focused on the negative and have forgotten the positives of a situation (e.g., unemployment).

I could easily list all the negatives of being unemployed, but I need to shift my perspective and realize that I've been given a great gift; the gift of time. Time to explore what I need to be happy.

Granted, I miss traveling, but I also realize there was so much I took for granted because money afforded me the opportunity to buy or do something. I honestly don't know if I ever really stopped to think if what I bought or did brought me happiness.

While I'm enjoying my stint of early retirement (sounds more positive than saying unemployment), I will think pay more attention to what I really want or need to be happy. I will begin to see what I have instead of what I don't.

I am hopeful by shifting my perspective on this one issue, I will be able to do it on all issues.