The words above from Winnie have been a bit of a balm for me of late. Michael and I have embarked upon a few home renovation projects recently, and the line “you’re stronger than you seem” keeps running on a continuous loop inside my head. I’ve heard stories of renovation nightmares from so many friends over the years, so I didn’t think I was completely naïve getting into this. But until you’re in the midst of all the mess and chaos, it never really hits home. And we’re not even doing a big renovation, just some updating here and there and everywhere (it seems).
However, while I’ve been dealing with my version of crazy, I’ve spoken with a couple of friends this week who are dealing with true life challenges. Serious, life-altering challenges. Really put my renovation annoyances into perspective.
Perspective. I don’t give it much thought usually, but it got me thinking. It’s amazing how taking a broader view can alter the landscape so dramatically and so quickly. My discomfort and irritation at the inconveniences I was “suffering” (like having to walk out the front door and through the garage to get to the refrigerator which is in the garage) kind of melted away.
Then I remembered my gratitude. Gratitude that the worst I’m dealing with right now is a messy house and a few inconveniences. Gratitude for the health and happiness of my loved ones, gratitude for the many blessings in my life. And quite honestly, gratitude that I have a loving home to call my own in the first place.
I think we can all use a shift in perspective once in a while, don’t you? In fact, we might want to make it a daily habit. Just a daily check-in to see if a slight adjustment in your current way of looking at something might change the dynamic of a situation or a relationship – for the better. It’s certainly worth a try.
And at this age, it should be a little easier to make that shift in perspective. After all, we’ve been there, done that for the most part. With some life experience, we can usually find a broader view of life – if we’re brave enough to see it. Guess you could consider that a gift of age.
If there’s one thing I would tell my younger self, or the “youngers” in my life, it would be to try to find that different view in times of difficulty – at least for a moment. Because dwelling on a problem has never solved it or eased the burden. Instead, it prolongs the challenge and zaps your joy. Sure wish I’d realized and practiced that years ago.
So, taking my own advice and shifting perspectives here. Letting go of the mess (sort of), and focusing on the outcome (for the most part). Out the front door I go, around the corner and into the garage for . . . wine. Oh, did I forget to mention that a little wine helps with that shift, too? (wink and a smile)
Till next time,
Judy
Beautiful! Thank you for reminding us that, although it’s hard to remember the joy when there’s all these life inconveniences around us, joy is all around, in our friends and family – even in the beauty of a home facelift.
For me you always seem to say the right things at the right time. Thank you.
A beautiful thought. Thank you.
Another example of your ever relevant insights. From the mouths of seniors….
These insights are very timely for me. Thanks for helping me shift my perspective.
This one really makes me think “outside the box”. I can very easily “feel sorry for myself” and when I look around, I realize how blessed I am. So positive thinking is the key. Sometimes hard to realize that there are MANY people worse off and with more difficult issues than I’m dealing with at this time. Thanks for the reminder sis. I love you, Sheryl