A Matter of Perspective

It's all about perspective. I was looking around our place when that thought really started to take root.  One may see our trailer as a little tin can.  It's old, battered, yet still standing.  It needs to be painted, we don't have much room, the floors need to be redone... the list goes on.  Then I began to reflect on the love within it's walls.  It suddenly became cozy, our furniture gives it heart, our pictures on the walls brings our family of far near.  Our small little yard has flowers that randomly spring up, we have a peaceful place to cook out, a relaxing place to sit.  My "little tin can" was suddenly transformed before my eyes.  I saw serenity, beauty, character.

Isn't life that way?  We can choose to focus on every bad thing that is happening in our lives or we can shift our focus to what is going right.  When we dwell on the negative it multiples.  Not only does it multiply in our thoughts but it starts to influence those around us.  A frown breeds a frown while a smile is contagious. No one can be all sunshine.  You have to experience some storms to appreciate the beauty of the rainbows that follow.  The challenge is not to fall into a rut of despair that lingers for days, months, and for some years.  It's important to recognize the negative patterns of thinking and to make a conscious effort to find the positive.  It can be a hard habit to break.  I caught myself today and in just a second my mind set had been completely turned around and my mood with it.  The next time the negativity tries to swallow you take a minute to stop and reflect on what is right.  Again, it's all about perspective.

~ Chelle
    12/19/13