The Power of Shifting Perspective from "Why the Hardship?" to "That Was Beautiful."
Primary focus of this article is not the hardships themselves, but rather the ways in which we respond to them, how we manage the fears that they instigate, and how we navigate these difficult phases.
Before I delve into the heart of this subject matter, I feel compelled to acknowledge that I, too, have experienced a phase in my life where I was overly self-critical. I have personally navigated through the murky waters of self-doubt and self-deprecation, witnessing first hand how such a mindset was directing the course of my life towards nothing but despair and sorrow. I found myself spiraling into an abyss of darkness, consumed by a sense of hopelessness that seemed to pervade every aspect of my existence.
It was during the most challenging periods of my life that I paid the heftiest prices to learn some important life lessons. It was only after a series of these trials and tribulations that I began to comprehend the power of perspective. I gradually realized how a simple shift in one's mindset can bring about an immense sense of relief and liberation. I discovered the transformative power of looking at the broader canvas of life, how it can spark a renewed sense of joy and optimism. Seeing life from a grander, more comprehensive perspective can make your heart more forgiving towards your own wounds and can instill a sense of peace that might have seemed elusive before.
By changing one's perspective from continuously questioning the reason behind bad times with a cry of "Why the hardship?" to embracing the beauty of existence with a hopeful declaration of "Life is beautiful," we can undergo a profound transformation. This significant change in viewpoint can create a deeper appreciation for all our experiences, good or bad. It shifts our focus away from the challenges and difficulties we face, and instead, directs it towards recognizing and appreciating the inherent beauty and joy that life holds. This newfound perspective can serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating our path as we navigate through the journey of life.
Indeed, it is important to acknowledge that this perspective is in no way intended to minimize the genuine hardships that many people face, such as major health problems, family crises, or financial difficulties. I have personally witnessed the kind of pain and suffering these situations can inflict, and I fully understand that these experiences are not only real, but they are also profoundly impactful. There is absolutely no harm in recognizing their existence, discussing them with people you trust, and addressing the issues that they present.
I am also not, in any way, trying to undermine the gravity of situations like poverty, war, illness, loss, and unemployment. Each of these scenarios represents a real challenge that people face, and dealing with them can be a severe test of a person's endurance and resilience. Pain and suffering are universal phenomena, and we are all, in one way or another, participants in this shared human experience.
In my own life, I have faced hardships that were very real, and I am not asking for denying their existence or suppressing the emotions they evoke. It is not healthy, emotionally or mentally, to simply ignore these situations or pretend they do not exist.
However, the primary focus of this article is not the hardships themselves, but rather the ways in which we respond to them, how we manage the fears that they instigate, and how we navigate these difficult phases of life. It's about maintaining emotional balance and developing the understanding to appreciate the beauty that life has to offer, even while going through these challenging phases. It's about finding balance and perspective in the midst of chaos and those bad times. This perspective also gives you liberty to talk about your experiences with others. This perspective lets you cry, release those suppressed emotions, and discuss things with professionals, if there is a need.
While we're on this topic, take a break and enjoy this video:
Even in the most challenging times, we are capable and resilient, equipped with the ability to seek out hope and beauty amidst adversity. Choosing to consciously shift our perspective is not merely a choice but an empowering decision that catalyzes profound positive change. This transformation not only navigates us deftly through difficult moments but also promotes healing and balance within our existence. This approach, full of optimism, serves as an unwavering beacon of light, even in the darkest of times, steering us towards a life of balance and fulfillment.
Feel free to be sad, but do not stay sad forever.
(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)
that is so true but sometimes it is extremely difficult to change how we respond without external help. I became suddenly very sick and was hospitalized for 2 months last summer. I had septicaemia and I guess I could have died but I didn't. I actually recovered quite well and I would have been fine when I went home except that my husband is bi-polar and my abrupt illness pushed him into his worst manic phase ever. So when I came home he was still very manic an this caused me to become extremely anxious. Previously I had been taking medication to help me with my anxiety and until this sudden change I was my normal, happy self. Trying to live with and deal with someone who is quite manic was extremely challenging. My anxiety was high and I could not eat. I had to change to a different medication which was all the harder because of the anxiety. I hung in there and persevered. After a few weeks or a month my husband calmed down and went back into his 'down' mode where he is more like himself. My anxiety slowly decreased thanks to the meds and to my husband calming down. Now I feel more like my usual self and have back my typical joie de vivre. Hopefully we won't have any more sudden surprises like that but if we do we will just have to deal with it. I am in my late 70s and aging is challenging. I try to find the tiny joys in every day. Having a caring son, partner and friends certainly helps. For the most part I have been fortunate enough to have had a pretty good life. I think we are each here to learn and grow..... and to help each other.
I think we are drawn to people we see are on a similar journey. I call myself a searcher, among other things that may define me. Your journey and mine are likely quite different but you speak the language of the quester. In building our philosophy of life, the why is less important than the how. Along the path there is much to be curious about, much to rejoice over, and so much to feel in the deepness of our soul. I am glad you are sharing your travels with us. Happy trails my friend.