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Constructivist Chronicle
Tough Times Call for a Change in
Perspective
Vol. 13, Issue 1
(Spring 2009)
by Heather Hardison
In these economic times, everyone
seems to be struggling and spirits are definitely down. Most are
finding it difficult to find hope and inspiration. But just when
we are feeling lost in a never ending hole, we encounter someone
whose struggle is much worse than our own. It is in these
encounters that we realize just how much we have to be thankful
for in our lives. Basically, it all comes down to perspective!
If we focus on the mounting bills that we have to pay, work
tasks that are tedious, or things that we wish we could have but
can’t afford, then we feel stressed, anxious and depressed.
Everyday begins to feel like a hardship and is joyless. The
simple act of shifting perspective can change the way we view
our problems and life struggles. By approaching problems from a
new angle, something that once seemed insurmountable can
actually appear conquerable. For example, if we change our
perspective on our current economic circumstances and start to
focus on the fact that we might have a job, a roof over our
heads, or our basic needs met, then our outlook is suddenly
brighter. Though we may not have everything we want, most of us
have the things we need. No matter how tough our life is, there
will always be those less fortunate who would change places with
us in an instant. If we took a few moments to view from their
eyes, our lives would look blessed and full. Let’s try to keep
those individuals in mind when complaining about our day or when
we are feeling sorry for ourselves. Shifting our perspective in
this way can lead to hope, appreciation and gratitude for life’s
many blessings. Your circumstances may stay the same, but you
can choose to change the angle from which you view the world.
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