Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Power of Perspective
I've been thinking a lot lately about how the way we think ultimately impacts everything in our lives. In light of it being a new year, I've read countless resolutions and goals on positivity and this is something that truly makes me happy. With all the craziness that this world thrusts upon each and every one of us, wishing to live with a positive attitude is certainly admirable. If you're like me, though, it's easy to want to achieve the end goal, but on a day to day basis it's quite difficult to attain if you don't set any steps for yourself. As I blogged about in a previous post, it becomes instinctive to think the worst of anything that doesn't go our way and our perspective can sway any situation, whether positively or negatively. For example, if you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen that I've had quite a few posts lately complaining about my train being late. Since this is my main mode of transportation, it's a part of my daily life. When things become a daily routine or habit it's easy for our natural reactions to them to be negative. Oh great, the train is late, again. Instead, I never think about that extra time I have, all to myself, before I head home to my long list of other commitments. Sure, it's never fun to get home an hour late, or to stay up later than anticipated because I still have to get through my other obligations. However, I constantly complain about never having time to do something I enjoy, like read. Obviously, what I view as a negative can easily be turned into a positive, say, by using that extra hour to enjoy some quiet reading. A shift in perspective can make all the difference when it comes to the small things, and the small things add up into big things, which can make small negatives become a big positive. I challenge each of you this week to think differently about one event, be it a daily task or maybe something that just didn't work out right. If you truly believe that everything happens for a reason (as I definitely do) it's easy to look for the positive in any situation.
Leave me a comment telling me of a time when your perspective helped (or hindered) a situation! Let's make this a positive week! XO
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This is such a great post, Kim! I'm sure I constantly annoy my boss by telling him to remember there's something positive in everything (he's generally a negative person), but there really is! Just like you mentioned with your train ride, getting home late is not great, but having extra time to just read or plan out your evening is really nice. I think we all could benefit from learning how to make the most of every situation. I really appreciate this positive reminder on this Tuesday, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cara! It is absolutely true, there is always a bright spot in every day and I love that you are reminding your boss of that, it helps to spread a positive message when so much of the world is negative. I definitely think it's a good thing to remind ourselves that just because a situation isn't perfect, it doesn't mean it's a bad thing! Thanks so much for stopping in beautiful, hope you are having a wonderful week! XO -Kim
DeleteThis is such a great post Kim and I love that you are thinking this way. I definitely need to start looking at things in a positive light. Thank you for this post it was definitely the reminder I needed, I hope you are well my gorgeous friend and that everything is going well with the second coffee shop!
ReplyDeleteElla xx
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Thank you so much Ella! It can be difficult to remain positive when there are a lot of negative things that can add up, especially when you are reliant upon other people, but what it boils down to is you can only control your own thoughts and actions and I personally always want them to be good! I hope you are doing well and that you are having an amazing week, you are truly a wonderful friend! XO -Kim
DeleteYes kim ! I LOVED this post :) It's all about perspective and it can be hard sometimes to find the positive spin on something especially when other people are fixating on the bad but it's so so much healthier and you feel so much better :) I love the idea of instead of being like " Ergghh the trains late " thinking " Okay that's not ideal , but hey I've got half hour to read my book ! " Everything happens for a reason :)
ReplyDeleteLots of love, Marianne xxx
http://myhappybubblexx.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much Marianne! It deifnitely is harder when you are around other people who are thinking negatively for sure! I agree, not only is thinking positive good for your outlook, but your health as well! No one wants to be miserable all the time, imagine how draining that is! Everything does happen for a reason, you are definitely correct and it is much easier to think that because something less than ideal happened, it was for a purpose! Thanks so much for stopping in my beautiful friend! XO -Kim
DeleteI love this post! I've started to just write things that I'm happy about every single night - I like to do it at night because often times I'm so bogged down from the day that I just fret about how tired i am, etc...but this really helps me! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteI definitely think writing about the positives in your day help you to appreciate and concentrate on the good things that happen, I'm glad to hear you are doing this! It's such a great way to stay happy! Thanks so much for stopping in lovely lady, I hope you're having a great start to your week! XO -Kim
DeleteI really really really liked this post! It's made me want to look at the things in my life that I complain about and put a positive twist on them. I think there's a bright side to everything, so thank you so much for sharing this post :) xxx
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Thank you so much Izzy! It is definitely hard to do sometimes, but generally it makes me happier to find some good in any situation! Hope you are having a great week my beautiful friend! XO -Kim
DeleteWhat an incredible post for the New Year Kim! I definitely agree that our perspective on things can make such a huge difference in how we feel and view the world around us. There are so many things in life that are beyond our control, but the one thing we can control is our attitude and perspective on what happens to us. I often get caught up in the trap of complaining about the little things in life because it's therapeutic, but there is so much to be thankful for, including great blogging friends like you!
ReplyDeleteKatie, this was such a lovely comment, thank you so much! I agree, I definitely get into a trap of complaining about things that, in the big picture, really don't matter! There is a lot to be thankful for, and I am forever grateful to have met such wonderful people, like you my dear friend, who constantly inspire me! XO -Kim
DeleteI love this part of the quote by Maya Angelou "If you can't change it, change your attitude". It might sound trivial or way too obvious but we often forget to do it. This is such a great post and a lovely reminder to look at those things at a different angle / from a different standpoint. Everything does happen for a reason and I believe there is a special plan in our lives. What we must try and do is to work out our own happiness in small and big things :)
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love your way, babe, and thanks again for such a great reminder. And I hope your train comes on time from now on, and if not - we just keep smiling ;)
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com/
YES! I love that quote! It definitely seems easy and obvious to say "well, just look on the bright side!" But honestly, it is work, just like anything else. Until you train your mind to natural think that way, it's been conditioned to think negatively or point out the bad in situations. There definitely is a special plan and path for us and you are right, it is our job to make our own lives what we want them to be! Thank you so much for your lovely comments Nadia, I appreciate you! Love and hugs your way gorgeous girl! XO -Kim
DeleteYES! "When it rains, it pours!" Right? Once you get in that mindframe of nothing going your way it's easy to focus on everything that doesn't work out. It can definitely snowball. Yes, that's why I love your blog, it's always an inspiration to me to learn how to look at things more positively and I love that! Love you my gorgeous friend, I hope you are having a wonderful week! XO -Kim
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I am such a creature of habit that as soon as anything that I haven't prepped for happens (running late etc) I'm so quick to have a rant! I really have to keep this in mind! xx
ReplyDeleteMoany Mouse | Scottish Lifestyle Blog
I am definitely a creature of habit and a creature of routine so anytime something deters from that I have a full on melt down. It's so silly but it's just how I automatically react! Definitely has helped me to keep a gratitude journal to focus on the positive! XO -Kim
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