Seeing Things Differently | Filed under General
Some people have a knack for looking at a scene or situation and perceiving things not only in terms of their own experiences, but also in terms of the experiences of others. They embrace changes in perspective and look at things from many vantage points. Others, however, will see what they see, and may not be convinced that someone else might see it differently. A change in perspective can be a valuable tool in interacting with others, remaining open to new ideas, and increasing creativity. Your perspective normally reflects a reality that is uniquely yours. But think of viewing a room from two different positions; you will see different items depending on your position. Or consider the difference in looking out over the rolling ocean versus seeing into its depths while snorkeling.
Most people have at one time or another tried looking at a situation through someone else’s eyes. But changing your perception can be applied in many different ways. You might try seeing the disappointment of not having funds to travel as an opportunity to more deeply explore activities offered in your own neighborhood. When you are faced with a challenge, try to see the problem from all angles in order to solve it. In changing what you perceive, you will be more likely to come up with a novel solution. Changing your perspective enhances objectivity while refreshing creativity. In fact, it’s said that the most creative people see what everyone sees, but look at it in ways most people do not. Try finding the angular beauty in a cityscape or the opportunities for fun on a wet, dreary day. They’re there.
The universe is a vast conglomeration of all perspectives. Changing or expanding your perspective is not about avoiding another perspective or ignoring the parts of life you find unpleasant. Everything that exists continues to exist whether you choose to focus on it. Rather, a shift in perception can help you understand the world in a different way, from a new angle, which in turn can solve problems, create things of beauty, and lead the life you truly desire.
To further demonstrate that these are all funny but also true…
1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.
2. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.
3. Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.
4. Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.
5. Stupidity got us into this mess - why can’t it get us out?
6. Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.
7. Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.
8. An optimist thinks that this is the best possible world. A pessimist fears that this is true.
9. There is always death and taxes; however, death doesn’t get worse every year.
10. People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them that Benjamin Franklin said it first.
11. It’s easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them.
12. I don’t mind going nowhere as long as it’s an interesting path.
13. Anything free is worth what you pay for it.
14. Indecision is the key to flexibility.
15. It hurts to be on the cutting edge.
16. If it ain’t broke, fix it till it is.
17. I don’t get even, I get odder.
18. In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.
19. I always wanted to be a procrastinator, never got around to it.
20. Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.
21. I am a nutritional overachiever.
22. My inferiority complex is not as good as yours.
23. I am having an out of money experience.
24. I plan on living forever. So far, so good.
25. Not afraid of heights - afraid of widths.
26. Practice safe eating - always use condiments.
27. A day without sunshine is like night.
28. I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.
29. If marriage were outlawed, only outlaws would have in-laws.
30. Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.
31. You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
32. One of life’s mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds.
33. It’s frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
34. The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
35. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.
What do you think? Does this change your perspective at all? Share your thoughts, please and remember we are a community here so there is no reason to be shy. Also try and make certain one of your perspectives it that, “Life Is Simply Good”.
August 18th, 2005 at 6:48 pm
Good list. How true your post rings. There are always two sides to every story. More than one view point in every issue. I hope I tend to look on the bright side. I onec actually had a relitively glum co worker ask me. “Why the F*** are you always so cheery?” hehehe
August 18th, 2005 at 9:27 pm
Re No. 33: I know half of everything — I know all the questions, but none of the answers.
Thanks for the visit. Listen, if you want something bad, import some tansy ragwort. Or, start up a hemp planting, which used to grow wild in Kansas.
August 18th, 2005 at 9:41 pm
I don’t know if this counts or not but whenever I tell my friend Rob to kiss my butt he tells me to mark a spot because I am all butt! And I always tell him. I am all butt what? We go on forever and it is always different after that. It just goes to show that sometimes there is wisdom in being a dumb ass.!!:)
August 18th, 2005 at 10:19 pm
Tachers and professors often assign students to work on the opposing side of a debate in order to force them to see matters from a different perspective. It’s quite debilitating to one’s argument when you have to bring evidence against it.
August 18th, 2005 at 11:55 pm
It does change things doesn’t it. Brain cells come and go but fat cells last forever and ever and ever! Just ask my rear end!
August 19th, 2005 at 12:38 am
Wonderful site and a great list!
:yes:How about the day you realize you believe in the Hereafter only when you get to the kitchen and forget what you were here after?:no:
August 19th, 2005 at 1:18 am
Benjamin Franklin said that I should thank you for visiting my site and tell you that you are a very perceptive person and Trucker Bob is a crack up and he’s okay too. Now that we’ve cleared that up, I really do like your post. Your list is very very funny and TRUE. I like it. I think I’ll come back and visit you again, if that’s okay. Love the little happy face people.:rotfl: It makes me want to play with them.
:shocked::rotfl:
August 19th, 2005 at 4:04 am
We see what we want to see or what our brain allows us, half emty or halk full, Half dead or half alive. It depends on how we feel. Did I go to the ice cream truck or did it come to me. Is it out of reach or with in my grasp. Just like in life its self. If we give up we let it go but if we lust for life we chase it. It’s there for us tio do what we wish.
Great post.
Have a nice weekend
August 19th, 2005 at 5:16 am
Victoria, you are a gem in the blog world. Thanks for your uplifting spirit!http://alwaysvictoria.com/wp-images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif
August 19th, 2005 at 6:49 am
It’s those wrong things said at the tempting moments that trips me up every time.
August 19th, 2005 at 7:27 am
I love number two and it is so true.
Can you really see from another’s eyes? I don’t think so.
August 19th, 2005 at 7:52 am
You are correct that perspectives can change. In a more base effort to do the same I will not shop in the same named grocery store twice in a row. Luckily in Houston we have 4 or 5 different chains. I hit each one once a week.
This sounds stupid but if you shop one store constantly, you end up buying the same stuff each week by habit… you fail to notice other things. shrug
August 19th, 2005 at 8:44 am
Vickie: That was a VERY FUNNY comment you left on my site. Here’s to more and better kudzu.
August 19th, 2005 at 10:00 am
“Round is a shape”, loving that!!
When I read what you said, “try to see the problem from all angles in order to solve it”, I thought to myself, “try to see the problem from all Angels in order to solve it”…. and for me, both ways would work wonders!
What comes to mind reading this post is walking in someone else’s shoes…. we can always see a different side to life and to problems when we place ourselves in someone else’s situation. Often for me it shows me that I don’t have it so bad, you know?
Great post Vickie, thanks!
August 19th, 2005 at 10:32 am
its important to see all the perspectives to an issue, but never forgetting that only one can ever work for us.
and not to lose track of what we set out to do either.:blahblah::hyper:
August 19th, 2005 at 11:30 am
I love that list! My Mum is always telling me that I notice things that other people don’t. I think most people today are in too much of a hurry, and one thing I have plenty of is time. What’s that saying ’stop and smell the roses’? Have a good weekend!
August 19th, 2005 at 12:33 pm
Just makes me love you even more. You’re such a special lady and have a great sense of humor about so much. Truly are my heroin!
*HUGS & LOTS OF LOVE*
August 19th, 2005 at 2:42 pm
What a delightful list…thank you, Vickie dear! I love your post…
August 19th, 2005 at 5:02 pm
Great post. Watching 93 year old Art Linkletter on “Larry King Live” came to mind with your list. The Best Is Yet To Come!
August 20th, 2005 at 11:52 am
August 20th, 2005 at 2:47 pm
Great post, as usual. However even this will not deter me from imposing firm, but fair, penance for your latest dalliance.
I am at present ascertaining what constitutes cruel and inhumane punishment. Following this you will be notified of the terms.
August 24th, 2005 at 2:49 pm
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