Perspective

Word of the Week: Perspective

Have you ever noticed how a small shift in perspective can change everything?
One moment, life feels like a mountain too steep to climb, and then — almost magically — something helps you see it differently. Maybe it’s a quiet walk, a kind word from a friend, or even the realisation that the “problem” isn’t quite as enormous as it seemed at 2 a.m. the night before.

Perspective is that gentle inner voice that whispers, “Look again.”

It’s the ability to step back from the noise, breathe, and see the bigger picture. When we’re too close to something — a challenge, a disappointment, or even an argument — our vision narrows. We focus on the frustration, the unfairness, the “why me?” moments. But when we widen our lens, suddenly we notice the lesson, the growth, or the opportunity to let go.

I’ve learned that perspective doesn’t always come naturally. It often takes practice — and sometimes humility — to admit that our way of seeing things isn’t the only way. A child might remind us of joy in simplicity. An older person might remind us that “this too shall pass.” Even a rainy day can remind us that storms don’t last forever, and the garden always looks greener afterward.

In daily life, perspective helps us stay grounded.
When work feels overwhelming, we can remind ourselves, “This is temporary.”
When someone is rude, we might think, “Maybe they’re having a bad day.”
When we feel behind in life, we can remember, “Everyone’s timeline is different.”

It’s not about pretending everything is fine — it’s about seeing it clearly and kindly.

So, this week, let’s try a little “perspective practice.”
Next time frustration bubbles up, pause and ask:
🔹 What else might be true here?
🔹 How will this look a month — or a year — from now?
🔹 What can I learn or appreciate from this?

A small shift in how we see things can make a big difference in how we live them.

As the saying goes, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”
And perhaps, with a little more perspective, we can see with more understanding, more patience, and a lot more peace.