Changing Your Perspective on Life

Greatness comes not when things go always good for you,
but the greatness comes and you are really tested
when you take some knocks, some disappointments,
when sadness comes. Because only if you have been
in the deepest valley can you ever know how
magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.
Richard Nixon

While reading Richard Nixon’s quote what thoughts pop into your head? Are you thinking, why do I have to experience the knocks, disappointments, in order to feel magnificent?

Here we go again, “Life’s golden rules.”

What I have been learning from life’s journey, the road to a magnificent life is paved with joy, sadness and lessons learned. Sometimes we have to experience hardship to learn from our experiences. By growing and learning we begin to see life from a different perspective and our life changes.

What always comes to mind, an alcoholic saying he is a grateful for being an alcoholic. When I first heard this expression, I thought they were crazy. What they were actually saying was by being in a 12 Step Program they learned how to change their outlook and today their life is filled with miracles.

We all have a choice when experiencing distressing circumstances we can either continue feeling sorry for ourselves or search out solutions.

Most people are immediately thinking what can I do right away instead of taking the time to grieve the loss and acknowledge what happened. We are often in a state of shock.

I was working with a client who was told by her doctor to lose weight or she would have to start taking insulin shots. After hearing this news she wanted to stop eating completely and show everyone she could lose weight in a short period of time.

Her plan did not work.

Walking into the house she started eating non-stop. During her coaching session that afternoon we discussed her distressing news and a healthy approach for solving the problem.

Below are some of the small steps Ida took:

•When she felt bad to let the feelings flow.
•Each day take small steps.

First week:
Ate a healthy breakfast.
Made an appointment with a Nutritionist
Marched in place for a minute in front of the television.
Did something nice for herself

Second week
Followed a healthy eating plan
Exercised for 5 minutes a day
Made an appointment with an exercise trainer
Did something nice for herself

Additional Weeks
Followed a healthy eating plan
Followed an exercise program
Did something nice for herself on a daily basis.

Ida had been following this plan for awhile, lost 50 pounds and never needed to take insulin shots. By acknowledging the deepest valley and taking steps to change her perspective she eventually reached the highest mountain.

Now it is your turn:
What situation in your life would you like to change? The key is to acknowledge what happened, give yourself time to grieve and at the same time take a small step. What small easy step can you take that will make a difference?

Remember nothing hard or scary at first.

Love Yourself – It Matters! Community is here to support you in anyway. Please let us know how you are doing by leaving a comment on this blog.

Helen