The events in Nairobi emotionally affected me - 69 dead, 175 wounded, 40+ missing/held hostage. The idea of experiencing this horrific event is unimaginable - the fear these innocent people know, witnessed and encountered brings tears to my eyes. No one should ever face such tragedy.
This brings me to my post today: perspective. Sometimes perception is skewed by insignificant, materialistic concerns or nonsensical anxiety. It's common to be overwhelmed with a sense of uncertainty, hopelessness, sadness and at times depression. But, is your life really that bad? My guess is no. If you have food in your belly, a roof over your head, clothes on your back and friends/family then no. Working with at-risk teens and young adults who do not have these basic needs, I have no excuse to not maintain perspective. Regardless, I still need to be reminded.
So, the next time you are feeling sorry for yourself, are lost and/or cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, try these four effective practices to gain perspective.
Effective Practice #1: Read
Losing yourself in a book can open your soul and is an excellent way to understand life from the vantage point of someone else.
Effective Practice #2: Seek out a person who is 80+ years and initiate a purpose-filled conversation.
This practice makes my heart ache as my go-to person to gain perspective was Leroy. He had such an innate ability to listen, absorb and share his opinion only when mattered. I'll never forget his words, "be firm, fair and consistent." His words will forever resonate and impact me. Leroy was a man who lived through the great depression, fought in two wars, survived life before cell phones and continued to make a difference in others' even after he passed. Now that's perspective.
Effective Practice #3: Volunteer
Volunteering is unique in that it gives you a very pure opportunity to connect with people that you may never have met otherwise. Plus, you are empowered to make a change - maybe a small change but a difference none-the-less.
Effective Practice #4: Examine the actions of kids 5 years and younger
Aside from being absolutely hilarious, there is a serious lesson to be learned from children. Kids can just be...they are care-free and live in the moment. You were once like that before becoming potentially cynical, seemingly responsible and an adult. Take time to see the world through the eyes of a five year old - it's refreshing.
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