Perspective of Life

Photo by Vanilla

A hectic week has just passed.

I have a busy schedule and I am definitely not alone. Just like many others who are busy, I am often unable to say precisely what has kept me breathless.

This does not sound good.

Many people work on their routine during the work week and look forward to weekends. Their spirits may be temporarily lifted but only to be dampened again when Monday comes. This may go on week after week. They know that they are consumed but accept that life is such.

After sometime, they feel no sense of achievement and wonder why they are even doing whatever they are doing.

Are you experiencing the same?

Photo by Vanilla

The cure is not difficult. What you really need is some perspective of life. Here are some simple things you can do to help you along:

1. Keep a Journal

Writing can be therapeutic and insightful. Get a habit of penning your thoughts and do it frequently. When you do so, you are actually conducting a self-conversation. You get to recap what you have done for the day and in recent times. It allows you to clear you mind and offer an insight which you otherwise will not gain in the midst of your busy and sometimes, boring routine.

2. Set aside time to think

Some call it 'reflection' but I prefer to look at it simply as 'thinking time'.

Each day, spend some 10 or 20 minutes thinking about what you have accomplished for the day. Ask 'action-driven' questions such as "Could I have resolved that problem differently?" You might just come up with some possible life-enhancing ideas.

Photo by Vanilla

3. Face your fear

Sometimes, you enjoy your routine because it protects you from your fear.

You have your own fear but would rather mask it behind a series of motions you call work. You wear yourself out after a day's work and feel thankful that you have just earned a day avoiding your fear.

Stop kidding yourself. To find your perspective of life, you would need to face your fear with some bravery. You can look forward to the enlightenment at the end of it as your reward.

"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you."
(Maori Proverb)

4. Do one thing differently

It might be too ambitious to undo your entire routine. However, doing just one thing differently is not too difficult.

You can take a new route to work. You can talk to a colleague whom you rarely work with. You can pick up an unfamiliar magazine and browse an article or two. You can do just one simple new thing and find yourself refreshed with some new perspectives.

Remember: Time passes everyday in exactly the same way but that does not mean that your life has to be a routine.

"Nothing is interesting if you're not interested."

~Helen MacInness~