What a beautiful Southern California day we enjoyed yesterday! I hope you were able to spend some time outside in the sun and soaking up some vitamin D!

Perspective is the ability to see and understand the world from another vantage point. We utilize our own experiences to inform us and then look at a given situation through another lens. The person with whom we’re interacting is likely to have another way to analyze a situation. Also, because our lenses change frequently depending on the circumstances, we might find ourselves thinking a myriad of thoughts in rapid succession.

If we’re going to exercise our empathy muscles we must first identify how we regard our own position and then attempt to gain the other person’s perspective; to see their story the way they see it, not as the way we would interpret the same set of circumstances. Children are great at this way of thinking (before we adults impose our own views!). They seldom see things as the ‘correct’ way, but as a ‘different’ way due to their innate curiosity.

If considering perspective is not something you’ve thought too much about, why not begin now. With a little practice, willingness, and the courage to make mistakes, we can all learn that what we see in the world is only one way, one lens. We might even be pleasantly surprised to discover that other perspectives might bring us to a better understanding of ourselves.

Have a wonderful week discovering new perspectives!