8 Pillars of Joy - Perspective

My new favorite book "The Book of Joy" brings me so much inspiration right now.  This lovely conversation, between two amazing men from such different backgrounds, brings some great things to think about as we search for the joy in our lives.   The first pillar of joy is "perspective".   Every experience we have in this life is filtered through our past experiences, what we have learned from them, and not learned from them.  Each of us has a different story that creates our filters and therefore our limited perception and perspective.

In 2011 when my husband and I traveled to Zion National Park for a hiking trip, we were unsure if we would be taking the risk of the hiking trail called Angels Landing.  Our perspective at that time was that it was risky and even scary, given everything we have read.  So, we embarked on this hike, one step at a time, agreeing to stop if it was too much.  Before you know it, we had made it to the amazing view that was worth every step - truly a place where angels would land! 

Why is this important?  Every hike we have done since that time has seemed simple!  With the completion of that adventure, our perspective had changed.  We are different people then when we started and now we look at all other adventures with new eyes. 

Take a moment to consider that your perspective may be the cause of your worry, anger or other negative  emotion.  The question to ask yourself  (and that I ask myself daily) is:  what am I doing to contribute to this situation?  and What can I do or think differently to find joy in this story, even when it is difficult.  And give gratitude daily for each experience, bringing you a deeper perspective on life!