Regaining Perspective

regaining perspective

Well, I’ve had one of those moments. You know the kind when things come together, the planets align and stuff makes more sense. Things become right side up instead of upside down. I’ve realized my thoughts and attitude have been taken captive with the wrong perspective. I’ve found myself buying into the lie of should have/have to instead of getting to. Sadly this lie has crept in and taken up residence in my life. That little ole lie has been holding me captive. The lie is so subtle that it creates an invisible bondage which can be unrecognizable. I thought I was just living my good ole life and wrongfully accepting and voicing my should have or have to. Life can be down right depressing when it is seen from that perspective. Always regrets. They eat away at the soul and joy of life.

Well, what happened? I can confirm that I did not just figure it out. Oh, no I simply don’t pay attention to how I’m thinking sometimes. I don’t realize it until I know something isn’t right. Actually, it was a message from Watermark Church in Dallas that I was listening to that brought it all into perspective. Those little {should have vs. get to} words had me reflecting on my attitude and how should have has crept in.

Some examples that were easily recognizable:

  • I have really gotten off my game in the workout category. When I miss a workout, my thoughts are, “I should have done that.” Instead of, “I get to workout!” I get to remind myself that I will be 55 next month. Many people my age cannot workout so I consider it a blessing to exercise.
  • I should have been reading a book instead of watching a movie. Spoiler alert: I believe many husband’s love language might just be movies and many times a movie generates some great conversation for us. I get to watch a movie.
  • I shouldn’t have eaten that. Whatever that is. Instead, I get to eat all kinds of wonderful foods and in that category, it feels like the world is my oyster.
  • I should have had a quiet time and read my Bible. Truth is I get to read my Bible without any fear of retaliation. Not only that but how gracious is God to put his words on paper for me to read.

The list goes on and on. These are just a few of the ones that have been continually rolling around in my brain lately. Because of those thoughts, I have decided to change my perspective. I’m thinking about the things I get to do. Do you know what happens with that type of changed perspective? I become grateful which means I’ll have things to write down in the gratitude journal.

How about you? What’s your perspective like lately?

Have a great one! Blessings ~ Carrie

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  • leaculp
    Carrie, a great post for all of us to read and the check out our own perspectives. Have a great new week! God's richest blessigs!
    • Thank you! I so enjoy speaking from my heart. Hope you're having a beautiful week.
  • I really can relate to this. There's this time at church when we have to greet each other which is never comfortable for an introvert like me. However, i've learned to change my perspective about it and think "yay, I get to meet new people". And it works!! XOXO Jodie www.jtouchofstyle.com
  • Kellyann
    Ah yes, perspective is everything! Usually people say attitude is everything but perspective actually shapes your attitude so...yes, my perspective needs checking regularly. Great post Carrie! xo, Kellyann
  • Living on Cloud Nine
    A perspective change can make the difference in mind, body and spirit! This is awesome and so are YOU!! xo
  • Totally hear you on this one...I'm working on my perspective with my perception of eating and weight and body image. Love hearing your voice.
  • Lori Lee
    I love this and needed this today! I need to do better at changing my perspective/attitude! Thanks for sharing!
  • "I get to" is a phrase that opens up all kinds of possibilities for gratitude!
  • YES, friend! I think that no matter what, we can all be better with our "get tos" instead of "have tos" or "should haves." Instead of saying that I should have gone to the gym this morning, I'm going to go with I get to go to the gym tomorrow! Thanks for the perspective shift.
  • Oh this is so good Carrie. Amazing what a little perspective shift can do. I find myself going into "should" mode too and this is a great reminder of ways I can turn that around. I love "I get to..." in particular.
  • What a thoughtful post. It reminds me of how we teachers/educators are encouraged to say "walk, please" instead of "don't run" or "please raise your hand" rather than "don't shout out the answer." Lots of times, it is all in how we phrase things in our minds and with our mouths!! I tell myself I GET to go to the gym almost every time we GET to go because most of the time I don't want to go in the first place. But when I get there and get the blood pumping, I am so glad!
  • I've been working on that too this year. I stead of "I have to go see my grandma" becoming, " I get to go spend time with my grandma.". Same thing with the kids friends instead of I have to host something, I get to host people that live my children, etc. It's so hard to do but the way we inner talk is so critical to the way we feel. Thank you for reminding me afaiato listen carefully to that inner dialogue. Bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
  • Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking post with us at the Hearth and Soul Link Party. It's true, we have to be careful not to treat gifts like burdens. Shared on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page. Reframing like this really can help us be more grateful. I hope you are having a lovely week.