Empowering Perspective

Very often we hold limiting perspectives which don't serve us any purpose. On the contrary they can cause stress and misery in our lives. For instance when I gave up my career to look after my children full time I found it very challenging. I was used to being constantly mentally occupied and I found the sudden cessation to that extremely difficult. More specifically when I was looking after the little ones and basically facilitating their simplistic play, I felt that I was "doing nothing and wasting time". This made me feel frustrated, and miserable and probably was picked up on at some level by my children. Over time I managed to change the perspective to one that was much more empowering. I viewed exactly the same actions of facilitating play in the following way, "I am really lucky to have the time to spend with my children when they are growing up. By being here for them I am giving them love and security and emotional and educational support. I am giving them what they need in the moment. I am spending my time in a very fulfilling way." By changing my perspective on what I was doing, I was able to apply myself to the task differently. This affected how engaged I was at the time of play. Instead of drifting away mentally, worrying about what I was not doing, I focussed on enjoying the play. This was much better for the children and much more fun and rewarding for me. Limiting perspectives are not useful. Empowering ones on the other hand are.My son will often say "I can't do X", I always encourage him to try and think of it instead from the following perspective, "I am learning to do X, it is difficult but anything worthwhile is usually challenging. I will get there if I persevere." If ever you feel that you have a negative perspective, I would encourage you to try and find a positive one to replace it. It is always possible and it will undoubtedly make you happier and more fulfilled.