Let me share three quick stories and some perspective-shifting life lessons with you…
- “On my nursing shift at the hospital this evening, I was forced into a moment of perspective when I got off my phone, utterly flustered, after having an argument with my husband, and my eight-year-old patient who’s dying of leukemia asked me if I was OK.”
- “Today is the 10-year anniversary of the day I had planned on ending my own life. It’s also the 10-year anniversary of the day I found out I was pregnant with my now 9-year-old son. He’s the reason I changed my mind. And he is so worth it! But most importantly, I now realize I am worth it too.”
- “This afternoon I learned that the lady who I thought was a ridiculously young mom of the two twin girls I have in my 5th grade math class is actually their 25-year-old half sister. It turns out, her parents got divorced and her mom had the twins with another man. Then 4 years ago her mom and the father of the twins died in a car accident. The 25-year-old daughter, who was only 21 at the time, took over as their legal guardian and has been raising them ever since.”
These stories have been transcribed with permission from coaching sessions we’ve recently conducted with three new course students. And if there’s one thing these students’ stories have it common, it’s perspective.
What we see greatly depends on how we look at it.
The truth is, our perspective on life comes from the psychological cage we’ve been held captive in. A cage created by…
- A difficult past
- A sheltered life
- Social influence
- Pop-culture and mass-media stereotyping
- etc.
And our perspective only changes when we consciously and gradually work to free our minds.
The quotes below (taken from our book and blog archive) are simple reminders I personally read and repeat to myself on a regular basis to keep my mind uncaged and my perspective wide open. When I shared them with the three students mentioned above, they all told me they appreciated the extra perspective. Perhaps you will as well.
- Happiness escapes from those who refuse to see the good in what they have. When life gives you every reason to be negative, think positive. Let go of what you think your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciate it for everything that it is.
- The richest person isn’t the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least. Wealth is a mindset. Want less and appreciate more today. Be thankful for your life. For your health, your family, your friends, and your home. Many people don’t have these things. (Marc and I discuss this in more detail in the “Simplicity” chapter of 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.)
- It takes courage to grow and become who you really are. Don’t fear change. You may lose something good, but you may also gain something great.
- Most of your fears are much bigger in your mind than they are in reality. You’ll see this for yourself as soon as you face them.
- If you’re lucky enough to have two good options, always go with the one that scares you the most, because that’s the one that is going to help you grow.
- Don’t stress about the closed doors behind you. New doors are opening every moment and you will see them if you keep stepping forward. And as you’re stepping, also keep in mind that we often waste too much of today by worrying about tomorrow. Just be present. Tomorrow will reveal itself exactly as it should.
- Every difficult situation can be an excuse for poor performance or an opportunity for excellence, depending on the perspective you choose.
- Even when it’s tough, wear a smile anyway. Smiling doesn’t always mean you are happy, sometimes it simply means you are strong. And YOU ARE.
- Growth is painful. Change is painful. But in the end, nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you do not belong. It’s always better to be exhausted from meaningful work than to be tired of doing nothing.
- Appreciate the gift of being able to work hard for what you want most. And remember that nothing is really “work” unless you tell yourself that you would rather be doing something else.
- Do what you have to do, but leave space too. Be flexible. Don’t overbook your life with rigid plans. Sometimes great moments happen unplanned and big regrets happen by not reaching exactly what was planned.
- Instead of getting angry over the words of others, choose to listen, be mindful, and grow stronger one way or another, because of them. (Marc and I build mindful communication rituals with our students in the “Love and Relationships” module of Getting Back to Happy.)
- Life doesn’t always give you the people you want, it gives you the people you need… to learn, to grow, and to fall in love.
- The strongest among us aren’t those who show strength you can see, but those who have won incredible inner battles you know nothing about. So be kind. You can’t always see people’s pain, but they can always feel your kindness. Being kind to people is a peaceful way to live, and a beautiful legacy to leave behind.
- Three things ultimately define you: Your patience when you have nothing, your attitude when you have everything, and who you help whenever you are able.
- Be humble. Be teachable. The world is bigger than your view of the world. There’s always room for a new idea, a new step, a new perspective… a new beginning.
Your turn…
Please share this post with others who you think will benefit from it, and also share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. If you’re up to it, I’d love it if you shared an additional quote, reminder, or strategy that helps you look at life from a different perspective.
And finally, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter if you’re interested in reading more perspective-shifting quotes and related life lessons like the ones covered in this article.
Photo by: Nitish Meena
Christian says
Angel and Marc, these reminders are needed and well-received at my end. Thank you, as always.
One perspective-shifting thought I’d add to the list is a quote I picked up from one of Angel’s course-related emails awhile back:
“Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time and energy to ask, “What else could this mean?”
Angel Chernoff says
I’m so happy that quote resonated with you, Christian. 🙂
Emily Edwards says
Your emails always deliver a breath of fresh air!
These are excellent quotes and thoughts! Here’s my addition:
“No two people ever read the same book.”
That little reminder has always helped me keep things in perspective — there are always two sides to a story.
Kimberly Muench says
I LOVE that quote Emily! Short and so very meaningful!
sharon says
Yes, yes, and yes! I love the idea of this post alone. A healthy dose of perspective is always a plus. Because it’s really only a narrow mind which can’t look at a subject from various points of view.
Let’s keep widening our view!
Katherine says
Thank you for this post. This goes right along with where I am in my life. As I’m working through personal challenges and changes, it’s so nice to be reminded of the importance of keeping things in perspective. Less than two weeks ago, I quit my job in Dallas, made the 20 hour drive to South Florida to be near the coast, leaving all I’ve ever known behind. I’m not quite sure if my engagement is finally coming to the place it should have always been, or if it’s actually coming to an end. I keep reminding myself to take care of me, that everything has a purpose, and to keep things in perspective as I continue on my journey.
Laura Devlin says
It will be whatever you choose to have it be. Best of luck to you!
Angel Chernoff says
Cheers to reinvention and stepping forward, Katherine. It’s inspiring to hear that you’re exploring beyond your comfort zone. There will be many wonderful experiences and lessons in your near future — of that I am sure.
Laura Wilbur says
A quote that I have often used is:
“Being challenged in life is inevitable. Being defeated is optional.”
Before I retired from the legal field, I often appeared as a lecturer for women going through a divorce or trying to escape an abusive relationship. I always started with this quote to remind them that they can define their situation and how they survive it.
Shefali says
Thank you so much for this! Your mails always inspire me to look at life positively. Thank you for making my day!
Theresa says
Thank you for a great article. I know many people who are narrow minded and don’t believe much of anything.
I am a positive person trying to stay away from negative people but it is not easy.
Kimberly Muench says
Marc and Angel, this post is a wonderful reminder in so many ways, what a terrific way to begin a new week! In the words of Cheryl Strayd, “I think of quotes as mini-instruction manuals for the soul.” I would like to add my own (notable) two cents with this:
“Today is a beautiful opportunity of receiving what life can bring when we we choose to step in with gratitude and a willing spirit.” ~Kim Muench
Monica Gabaldon says
You two are a Godsend for me! I look forward to your newsletters each & everyday!
They have given my life purpose & meaning.
I thank you from the bottom of my soul?
Lindy says
I very much enjoy your emails even tho I am well into Senior-hood. They help shift my focus when I start to feel the best in life is behind me. You remind me that that I still have time to learn and grow and improve. Thank you. And my perspective quote:
What you practice, you get good at.
Jen says
I suffer from chronic depression in spite of meds. Your post ring so true that they are buoys I latch onto because they make so much sense that they ease the psychic pain. Learning to value one’s self properly is a live-long, uphill battle, it seems. Thanks for your Fortune Cookies.
Andrea says
Number 15 is particularly powerful for me. Two quotes that always help give me perspective:
– “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”
– “If your worried about what other people think about you, remember that most people don’t.”
Joyti says
Angel and Marc thank you so much for your wonderful blogs. And the comments are bonus, it helps me in these difficult times of my life.
To view life from different perspective.
Thank you
Evans says
Your posts are always interesting and inspiring. Thanks
Ope says
Appreciate the gift of being able to work hard for what you want most. And remember that nothing is really “work” unless you tell yourself that you would rather be doing something else.
Thanks marc and angel. You guys are a light on my path.
LDH says
Advice from my Father when I was a young man:
Turn Your Eyes Towards The Heavens’
But Keep Your Feet On The Ground!
Larry
Amen Davidson says
Marc and Angel I Love You Guys So Much.
Looking forward to seeing more of your newsletters.{I LOVE U}……
Laura Devlin says
I love the work that you are doing. Thank you!
This perspective is perhaps a little different from the others but….
Instead of saying that (insert person/organization here) needs to do something to improve, fix or change some perceived injustice, we all need to ask ourselves “what can I do?”
It’s time to take responsibility for the change we want to see. Taking responsibility has two great benefits. We might actually initiate a desired change as well as to help us feel more empowered, confident and hopeful.
Angel Chernoff says
Excellent perspective, Laura. Thank you.
Papa Curly says
A long deep breath can clear your head your mind and how you react to a certain situation, it can also save your life. Remember to breathe.
Edward C. says
Hi Angel, I always appreciate the wisdom you share in your posts, and this one is no different. Sometimes I think we get so caught up in the race, that we forget to consider alternatives to the path we’ve chosen. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
This was incredible! I think my quote that I want to share that I found while traveling in Thailand is, that maybe home isn’t where I’m from but where I’m going. It’s always made me feel so peaceful when I felt lost and thought I needed direction when I really didn’t if I would just appreciate what I was doing in the exact moment and place I was currently in.
Ymc says
Amazing, a new day a new soul?
Chibundum Alozie says
Sincerely I appreciate going through these your epistles, for it has helped improve my life. God bless you real good with more grace.
Michael Lingenfelter says
“The richest person isn’t the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least. Wealth is a mindset. Want less and appreciate more today. Be thankful for your life. For your health, your family, your friends, and your home. Many people don’t have these things.”
This is a great reminder for me. I continually practice gratitude, but sometimes catch myself wishing and wanting more wealth (money). It is then I need to remind myself of this, because the only time I get caught in the trap of this is when I begin to compare myself to others.
Thank you
Angel Chernoff says
Thank you all for the insightful replies. Marc and I just read them together, and we’re grateful.