Sometimes it feels like everything and everyone in your life is working against you. All of us get that feeling from time to time. You have to go to work and pick up the prescription and pick up the kids and pay that bill and….everything else. Sometimes the “TO-DO” list grows faster than you can take things off it. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and from time to time we all do.
Let’s face it, some of us have it easier than others. It may be fair or it may be unfair but there is no doubt that some people have an easier time than others. It is easy to feel jealous. Sometimes our list of things is bigger than those in our family or personal lives, and it is easy to feel resentful.
I know I have done some things right in my life that have helped, and I know equally I have done some stupid things that are still hurting me and holding me back in some ways today. And I also recognize that in many ways I am very fortunate. I was born into a middle class family in Missouri and I had loving parents who did a pretty good job of raising their kids.
I don’t want to downplay or minimize the troubles or frustrations in anyone’s life. I know tough times are, well, tough. But I would like to offer the opportunity for you to get a fresh perspective on life. I am always amazed when I see people overcoming obstacles that would likely have me drowning in a pitty party, and doing so with a smile.
If you spend much time on the internet you may have seen some of these stories. All I can say is I find each of them very inspiring and I hope they give you a different perspective on your own situation.
First up is the story of Richie Parker.
Next up is Nick Vujicic.
This video, called “Get Service”, also deals with perspective
This one is from a BEAUTIFUL young lady. I love her perspective.
Dr. Victor Frankl overcame great odds (he was in the Nazi concentration camps) and now has a remarkable outlook on life. I have included all three parts of this interview because I find him fascinating.
Please listen to the words of Ashton Kutcher. You may be surprised.
David Foster Wallace gave a famous commencement speech at Kenyan College he titled “This is water”.
Bill Watterson gave a commencement speech at Kenyan in 1990. Bill was the creator of Calvin & Hobbes.
And now that I have set you up properly:
And finally a short piece by Jean Brody, again on keeping perspective. Jean has a marvelous outlook. Thanks to my good friend Maggie for sharing her columns with me.
All I can say in closing is that although we can’t always choose our circumstances we can always choose how we view them.
Hug the stuffed tiger in your life, and let's go exploring.
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