SEEING LIFE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Life and how we live or go through life are all about perspective. Some people go through life carrying the world's weight on their shoulders, while others live life to the fullest regardless of the situations surrounding them. Everyone goes through the storm of life, but what defines people who come out still smiling is their outlook on life.

Reflecting on the last three years, it was a roller coaster. Life was at a standstill for two years, and the past year was more about catching up to life and trying to make sense of life as we see and live it.

For most people, it was a time of reflection and prioritizing what matters most. Many visions and dreams were simultaneously birthed and brought to life, and many plans died. I was reminded of the passage in Ecclesiatics 3:1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

So often, you hear that tragedies and pain make you stronger, but those words have no meaning until you have the lived experience. While I reflect on these words, I understand that there are two sides to a coin or that there is more than one way to view the world and the circumstances surrounding you. The difference between optimists and pessimists is choice. In contrast, some people argue that they are realists or critical thinkers when they have opposing views or see things negatively.

Now there is nothing wrong with being a realist or critical thinker, but when you let that negative perception consume you, you will not be able to enjoy life. Undoubtedly, throughout life's journey, there will be storms; what matters is our outlook on life.

It is challenging to stay positive when the odds are stacked against you, and all your efforts seem to come to naught. Sometimes you feel disillusioned, but like everything in life, it is all about practice, determination, and discipline to always stay or think positive in the face of adversity. We have to consciously;

Think of the bigger picture: Think of the worst-case and best-case scenarios. Most often than not, the worst-case scenarios are often amplified by our fears. But we have to look out for the good in every situation constantly, knowing that God has a better plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

It also helps to know that in every situation, God is very much involved in the detail of our lives and is working all things out for our good. Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

Look beyond ourselves: As humans, when things happen, we often think it is because of what we may or may not have done, and we believe that by doing something, we can fix the situation or improve it. 1 Samuel 2: 9 He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone.

We need to realize that God, who created us, knows the end from the beginning, and His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Learn from every experience: We have heard this phrase what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. One of the ways to come out of every situation stronger is to learn from it. Now you can learn anything and everything, but especially about yourself. Everything that happens does not happen to us but for us. So we make the most of it and take it as a learning process, pick ourselves up, and make the most of every situation.

Not going to lie; staying positive at all times is not easy, especially when it seems the world is caving in on you. In saying that, as Christians, we must have heard the phrase to see people and situations like God sees them. Or to see God in every situation helps put things into perspective. Sometimes it may not seem easier, but we rest on the comfort of knowing that God is with us and we draw strength from that.

Much love, fam,

See you in the next post.

Victoria.