According to the dictionary, perspective is the ability to perceive things in their actual comparative importance. And by looking at the past, you are thus able to gain perspective on the present. But what is the point of gaining an accurate point of view if you don’t have the ability to see it for what it is? If you get lost in the details, you then lose the sense of the larger whole. You are ignoring the obvious. You miss the key point. You have tunnel vision.
In other words, if you are to solve something, don’t get hung up on all the small details. Look at the big picture. Keep everything realistic and in the order of its worth. When I become overwhelmed with the small stuff, I find I am wasting more time worrying about what I have no power to change or how it got there in the first place. It is already too late. It’s there. I have to deal with it. So deal with it, I do.
I have two choices. I can either accept it or not. If it is to my dislike or detriment, I usually choose to make the change. I have also learned that by taking evasive measures after gaining some perspective, I can alter going down that road again. In other words, I try not to make the same mistake twice. You do have choices and doing something is far better than doing nothing. So you may fall on your face. So you embarrass yourself. You get frustrated. Big deal. Make changes.
One thing you don’t want to do is to feel sorry for yourself. Mistakes happen. You correct them. You learn from them. You move on, even if others refuse to let you forget them. You see, I have learned that is a good thing, not a bad thing. Let them keep reminding you of your past mistakes, as long as you have learned something from them and try not to repeat them. You are gaining perspective in the long run. Trust me. That is a good thing.
Don’t let anyone else set your goals or your limitations. Don’t accept second best. Keep striving for the best, the best for you, that is. Stay singularly focused on what is right for you and what you are most happy with. Don’t let other people tell you how to live your life according to their perspective. Make it yours. One you can live with.
If you have read any of my books in my Samantha Jamison Mystery Series, The Puzzle, Without Any Warning, 86 Avenue du Goulet, A Lethal Time, Mouth Of The Rat, Death Knell In The Alps, No Hope In New Hope, The Lush Life, Too Close For Comfort, Saving Sindia, and Diamonds Are Not A Girl’s Best Friend, you will notice that my protagonist, Samantha Jamison, (Sam for short) continually learns the meaning of real changes. She learns perspective, doesn’t let anyone set her limitations, or tell her she can’t do something. Even if she fails, she tries. She questions her motives. She is constantly learning that even though the small details may be important, it’s the big picture that finally gives you the answers. She’s human. She makes mistakes. She gets embarrassed doing or saying stupid things that seem to happen and complicate her life.
She is continually gaining perspective. And so am I.
Chase your dreams and remember, everyday is a blessing.
Lovely blog, Peggy! And you are much more evolved and zen then I am, at least when it comes to people reminding you of your mistakes! Something I could definitely take a lesson from you (and Samantha) on. 🙂
Nora,
I am always learning from Samantha everyday! Of course, it goes without saying that I ignore her jabs and wisecracks. There are limitations as to how far I let a protagonist go. You know what I’m saying? I mean, who is the author here, right? Thank you for your comments. I appreciate it.
Yes – this is so true. One of my favorite Tarot cards has a beautiful bird on it and when I see it I am reminded: you can see things from the ground, or from a branch on a tree, and also from high up in the sky. Keep all three perspectives in your heart and you’ll be able to cope, no matter what. Samantha Jamison always manages to do just that.
Winslow,
You have such a beautiful way of expressing your thoughts and as usual they are greatly appreciated. I have learned that putting things into perspective helps you let go and move on, don’t you think? It also makes you strive harder to focus on the positive things in life. Everyday is truly a blessing and I never take them for granted.
Great post. I’m like you, I’m human and know we all make mistakes. I learn from them. I don’t wallow in them!
Krystal,
If we weren’t human, we would not feel, would we? You don’t necessarily have to develop a thick skin, but it does help gain perspective and be thankful for what’s good in your life. You have to focus on the positive and leave the negative behind, faux pas and everything! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I like your attitude, Peggy. I share it! Thanks for this post. It came at a good time for me.
Edith,
I am glad you enjoyed the post. My comments were meant for anyone out there who needs to look toward the future and ignore setbacks, whether they be large or small. Set your own goals and move forward. Each day is a new one with a clean slate. Use them wisely. Thanks, again.
Thanks for the interesting blog! Kind of fun to look back at all we’ve learned.Wishing you much success!
Rebecca,
Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. It’s just as important to look back, reflect, but then move forward, hopefully learning a few lessons along the way. I read your book, Red Dead Cadillac and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading the others. Wishing you nothing but the best for your books and writing endeavors. Thanks again for your comments.
I wholeheartedly agree with your blog this month! Always strive for the best for yourself! If you do not succeed at first, then try again! Looking forward to your next book!
Judy, Thanks for posting with your thoughts. Much appreciated. Success is never easy, but is sometimes an uphill battle. I am working hard on the 4th in the series. Thank you, again.
Good blog to read this morning. Proofreader, one of many, points out there are straight quotes and curly quotes in mss for my second mystery. We are down to the picky-fiddle maddening level of mss preparation and she is driving me crazy. But I thank her every time. Perspective is that I have finished two murder mysteries and I’m grateful to myself for persisting.
Mar,
You are exactly right! It’s what you have accomplished in the long run. It’s the big picture you have to focus on. We all know the details along the way sometimes get us distracted and slow us down. What’s important is that we keep going toward our goal. Thanks for stopping by.
As always, I enjoyed your latest blog. It made me realize how much I have allowed too many emotions and comments by others influence my perspective and that you really have to get yourself back on tract.
Romayne, As time goes by, without realizing it, we do gain perspective and see things differently, hopefully for the positive. Each day we grow and change according to our experiences. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Everyday is truly a blessing! Thank you for the words of wisdom and incite as we begin a New Year. Enjoy reading your books & your blogs, keep up the amazing writing & your clear perception on life!
Linda,
Thank you so much for the kind words. They are greatly appreciated. I am so glad you are enjoying my books and blogs. My life has a way of creeping into the mysteries I weave. It’s up to the reader to figure out how much or how little it does. Ha! Another mystery for the reader to solve, don’t you think?
The content of your blog is what has been swirling inside all of us. Nothing is more constant than change. Prioritizing is easier said than done, especially for those of us who put too many demands on ourselves. Watching Samantha entangle and disentangle herself logically is to enjoy watching our humble selves do the same. Making your thoughts some of my 2012’s resolutions. Thanks for the reminding me of …”easy does it…”.
Pat,
Sometime we tend to get bogged down in the little things in life and forget to take in the big picture. When we finally do, we see what we worried over is trivial when compared to the big picture. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Very nice post. Gaining perspective is something I so often forget. Yep, I often get bogged down in the little stuff. Thank you for a very nice reminder to look at the overall picture.
Teri,
I’m glad you liked what I had to say. Every once in a while I try to sit back and look at things with perspective. I find it’s a healthier way to live life by not getting caught up in all the minutia. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your feedback.