Perspective…
They say it is all about perspective. I don’t know who “they” is, but I have lived long enough and been through enough to know that this is true. Our perspective determines so much of the story…our story.
Life is hard. Life is good. It is one of those both/and situations that can be challenging to hold at the same time, but learning how to is such a gift. So, life is hard AND it is good. When you go through the hard things (and we all do) what you focus on can make all the difference.
“They” also say “where your focus goes, your energy flows.” Meaning, whatever you are focusing on is what is getting all of your time, energy and attention. You might find that you are spending a lot of time and energy on something that doesn’t align with your priorities, so then you need to change your focus to change your energy.
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If we focus on how hard something is, we are putting all of our energy on the hard – we could be missing out on some of the good. And I don’t mean be a Pollyanna and just fake it til you make it. I am not at all about being fake. But, when I was going through a really challenging season, I focused so much on how hard it was that everything just felt so…well, hard – and heavy. Focusing on it actually made it feel even harder. Even if it was hard – which it was – focusing on how hard it was wasn’t really helpful.
I had to practice slowing down, being present, being aware of my thoughts and focus so I could change my focus and my perspective. I started to rewrite the story I was telling myself every day to make space for a new one.
Our stories matter. They matter to us – especially the way we tell it to ourselves. And they matter to others – sharing parts of our story can encourage, inspire and help others along their own journey. Our stories give us a voice, can be part of our purpose, give purpose to our pain and be part of how we show up in the world for ourselves and others.
But. What story do you want to tell? What are you focusing on? Because you do not have to wait for the hard to be over to already see the good. It’s all about perspective.
