Change Perspective and Find Kindness

Day 18: Change Perspective and Find Kindness

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses .” – Abraham Lincoln

I love the above quote! It poetically and succinctly explains what I am referring to when it comes to having and changing our perspective. Sometimes we can turn around an entire day or situation by simply changing our perspective. A change in perspective can also be learned when we make mistakes or hurt others. 

1. Kindness to Self:

   Changing our perspective can create a major shift that can lead to self-enlightenment. It’s that aha moment when the light bulb goes off and you are wondering how you didn’t see this before, because now it seems so obvious. By purposely trying to change our perspective about a challenging or difficult situation, we will open ourselves to greater understanding.

2. Kindness to Others:

   Whenever I find myself needing to defend or justify my point of view, it is a red flag for me to take a moment and consider the other person’s point of view. It may or may not change how I see things, but it will bring about understanding, empathy and ultimately kindness.

3. Kindness to Strangers:

   How we look at and interpret things, people and situations is usually deeply rooted and takes practice to change. Sometimes we just need to tilt our head slightly and try to see things differently. If we can do this often, we will be much more open, have a greater capacity to empathize and enjoy the gifts of connection.

4. Kindness to Our Planet:

   Can we challenge ourselves to change our perspective and see things from a future where our children’s children live on a planet that will provide as we have known? If we can picture it, can we then create that place through hard work and dedication? I believe we can!

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com/CarienVanHest