The Power of Perspective

The other day in class, my classmates and I were asked to look at a series of pictures and determine what we saw. It turns out that each picture contained two images. Some people saw one while others saw the other. There were even a few who could see both at first glance.

What do you see first in this picture?

There is an old woman and a young woman. The old woman looks forward with her head tucked and facing forward. The young woman looks to the right, her entire head the old woman’s nose.

Though there is no deep meaning to which you saw first, it still helps show the importance of perspective. Something may seem one way in the beginning, but after a closer look you can find a different side.

This concept with images can be applied to everyday life. Sometimes we will be able to look at a situation through multiple lenses with ease, but other times it may prove more difficult. Just as some people have to look at a picture for a long time, we may be faced with having to examine a situation in great detail to find another way to view it. There may even be times where we require another person to help us develop a different way of thinking. When I was not able to see the other image in the picture, my teacher patiently pointed out all the different characteristics of both over and over until it clicked. We may be needing to do this for other people in their lives.

One time I needed to change my perspective happened last semester on a trip home. In the midst of all I had going on that week, I had managed to forget to fill up my car tank with gas. It just so happened that this was the second occurrence in the last two weekends. I made the phone call of shame to my brother, explaining the situation. As I sat in my car waiting for him to bring a gallon of gas, I couldn’t help but be a bit upset at myself. How could I forget this simple task again? After a while of this, I realized that there was no use wallowing in self-pity. It happens to everybody at some point and it could have been much worse. When my brother arrived, he helped me take this even further. At least I had a car to travel in, people who cared enough to bring me gas, a phone to call for help on, and a gorgeous view on the other side of the interstate. In this case, changing my perspective helped me make the most of a situation and realize all I had to be thankful for. Because I was able to accomplish this, I now can laugh whenever people give me grief for forgetting to fill my car up with gas. I also remember to be over-conscious of my fuel gauge when traveling to prevent it in the future.

What is it that you need to change your perspective on? Maybe it’s that long to-do list, tough homework assignment, or a sticky situation you’re facing. How can you help other people with changing their perspective?

Today and everyday, let’s focus on how we can have a different perspective to help us persevere through our circumstances.