Over the years that I have written this column, I have often spoken to the importance of maintaining “perspective”.
In doing so, I have stated that our perspective on worldly issues has the power to transform, or at the very least, influence our lives in very profound ways. Yet, not surprisingly, maintaining an objective, insightful perspective is often easier said than done.
So the next time you find yourself struggling to find perspective on a life issue, consider the following fifteen questions…
- Is this issue going to matter in a year from now? Can you recall your biggest problem one year ago from today? Is it still an issue? More than likely, it is not. If it is, it is obviously important.
- What aspects of your current life would you be grateful for had you had them five years ago? Isn’t it interesting how some of the most simple things, such as relationships, loved ones, careers, seem to be the greatest blessings?
- Do you care more about this situation, or just how it “makes you look”? When life delivers a blow to our ego, we often get caught up in our heads and fret over the opinions of others, causing more suffering for ourselves than necessary. When we can release this, we are able to see what really matters most to us. And what doesn’t.
- Name five things that are basic for your survival that you do not have to think about. Ask yourself if your basic needs are met: Do you have a place to sleep? A meal on the table? Can you pay your rent each month? If not, what things in your life do you need to shift in order to have these things?
- What would your life be like if you di not have these things? Take a moment just to imagine what this would be life. And take a moment to be grateful for the things that you do have.
- What is a huge life crisis that is no longer a concern? The answers of this question should highlight nor only the temporary nature of things, but also, the evolution of our perspective as we grow.
- What compliments have you received lately? Can you even remember? Can you remember the offenses? Embrace the kind words of others and let that highlight your gifts. Discard unkind words, or transform them into something to learn from.
- What do you have in this moment that you will never have again? Appreciate the fact that while you might not have everything that you want in this moment, for better or for worse, you do have some things that you will never have again.
- If you could say one thing to yourself of five years ago, what would that be? Take that advice and apply it to today.
- Do you dislike certain people? What do they have to teach you? And, what do they reflect back to you?
- Practicality aside, what would make you happier than anything else? What about the answer to this question can be manifested in your life at this time?
- What do you do when nobody is looking? Who are you when you’re not trying to be something to someone else? When are you most yourself?
- What of the past year do you actually remember? Most likely, you most clearly recall how a few isolated instances outshine the minute-to-minute moments.
14.Can you recall any times in your life when you thought you were at the point of a break down, when really, it was a break-through? Most likely this will happen again. When it does, give life time to explain itself to us as things unfold.
- In the grand scheme of it all, does this small instance, this moment, really matter?