I returned home yesterday after a three day 800+ mile road trip. My husband and I visited The Junk Ranch in Prairie Grove, Arkansas and drove all the back roads taking in the beauty of the "natural state". We had an amazing time exploring, laughing and enjoying the "junk" that an open flea market provides.
As I prepared to grocery shop this morning, I stepped outside to find a flat tire. This should have royally "ticked" me off as the tires are only 2 months old, but instead of being upset, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Thankful that the flat tire had not happened just a few hours earlier on the side of Interstate 40 where we, less that 12 hours earlier, experienced heavy rain showers and stifling heat.
Perspective is such a powerful part of who we are as individuals. How we see the proverbial "glass" has a direct impact on our daily lives. Perspective determines how we act, interact and/or react in any given situation and with any given person. It also plays an role in how we are seen and treated by others.
I have determined that perspective shapes how my day goes. I am going to work diligently to view things as they are instead of how I think they should be. Clearly, when I walked out of my door this morning my tire should have been full of air, but that was not my reality today. To help keep things in perspective I am dedicated to asking myself the following questions: 1. Is this a life altering event? 2. Why did this occur? 3. How can I quickly find a solution? 4. How can I keep it from happening again? (clearly I will have another flat tire in my lifetime) Today, I am glad my view from the sidewalk was a flat tire. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on perspective and how I react to situations. May seem like a small thing to some, but according to Thomas Edison, "perspective is everything."
I hope the view from your sidewalk is NOT a flat tire! Until next time.... Karen