Develop from the negative

These past few weeks have been very busy for me, and I found myself starting to complain about everything that needed to get done and the little time I had to do it. I started to get overwhelmed and down. It was time for a perspective shift.

How do we shift our perspective?

One way is to change our negative or limiting self-talk to something more positive and open. Saying “I get to” instead of “I have to” is a great example.

My daughter and I were talking while I was folding yet another load of laundry. I was complaining that it never seems to be done. I stopped myself and said “I am glad that I get to fold this laundry.” (She looked at me like I was crazy).

Reminding myself that I get to fold clean clothes at home instead of at a laundromat; that I have a washer and dryer that work; that I have clothes to wash and dry; that I have a family that wears all these clothes. These are all blessings.

When I flip my perspective from obligation to opportunity, I feel better about myself and my circumstances. 

Another way to shift our perspective is to change our focus. 

My family was hiking in the Rocky Mountains not too long ago. We came to an overlook that had one of those binocular machines that you put money in and can look at things very far away.

My son put in a quarter and started focusing on specific things in the valley below. What was vast and expansive became clear and focused. 

Sometimes it's good to see the whole picture...to take it all in. But too much of it (whatever that may be), and it can get overwhelming. 

Other times, though, shifting your gaze to the opportunity ahead and zooming in and focusing on the details will help keep you focused on the things that are truly most important to you.