It's All About Perspective

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Perspective is defined as "a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view" (web). Having a perspective is "the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance" (web). How do you perceive yourself and your life? How do you perceive situations that are less than ideal? Do you see the negative or do you reach into it and pull out the positive aspects? I know this is easier said than done, but in every situation, I truly believe something good comes from it, even the worst of the worst.

At least monthly, I chair an Al-Anon meeting and perspective is the topic I recently chose. I read a reading on the subject and the zoom room was quiet. Not used to the quiet, I spoke up on the reading and from there, things blossomed. The entire hour went on with fellow Al-Anon members sharing their stories and views of perception. Dealing with alcoholism, I lost perspective of who I was and what I can and cannot do. I still struggle with this. I have been used to making excuses to others on why I "can't" go with them somewhere for the day or why I "can't" take a trip without Mark. It has been difficult and for those looking in they probably never saw this in me.

Recently Mark got to check something off his bucket list. He has always wanted to fish Lake Erie and last week he got to do just that. After a first trip was cancelled due to inclement weather in Ohio, it was rescheduled for this last week. The original people going were no longer able to go and Mark had to find a couple of guys last minute to make the trip. I was so happy for him to be able to check this bucket list item off. However, for days prior to his leaving, I became very anxious and fearful. If you have never dealt with addiction, you probably have no idea why I would feel this way. If you have personally dealt with it, you understand. The fear is there in the back of my mind, always and I allowed this fear to surface. Mark made it back from Ohio and he and his friends had a great time and caught a lot of walleye in the two days of guided fishing. Did I have reason to fear? Probably not, but like I said it's always in the back of my mind.

At the end of this week, I will be heading to Florida with my good friend Beve. Again, the fear took over. That is why I chose this topic this past Monday. I was able to talk with other Al-Anon members about my fears and it made me feel better to confront the issue head on. Talking about it with them and of course with Mark, helped relieve my fears and I am excited to go. I look back to say, 7 years ago, and I would have never second guessed myself taking a trip with someone other than Mark. I would have never feared Mark going fishing for four days with a couple of friends. It's time that I work on my perception of what I can and can't do and it's time to truly live.

Now that you have heard about the past week or so. I will update on a few other happenings around here. First, we got at least 40 feet of new snow this past month. Ok, maybe not that much but it sure seems like we did. It has been a winter that has drug out for at least 7 months. It's a winter that I hope we don't see for many years to come. We finally have gotten some spring weather and believe me; it is much deserved.

My mom made it home from Arizona. On the way home she received a call saying that my aunt Kay Gylten had unexpectedly passed away. A few days after she returned, Mark, Kalli, my mom, and I headed to Rapid City for the funeral. We got to see and visit with so many family members. It was a time to reminisce and celebrate Aunt Kay. We headed home after the funeral as a snowstorm was headed to Rapid City. We made it home safely and just in time for another 3-day North Dakota blizzard. A couple weeks later Mark, Kalli, and I took my mom to Fargo for her 80th birthday. She was quite surprised when we detoured to a hotel and went to visit my "friend" only to find a room full of family to surprise her for her birthday. We were only missing Marci and family, John and family, Bailee, and Brock. Many of us stayed the night so we got a lot of visiting in. To say she was surprised is an understatement. The last time we gave her a surprise party was 10 years ago for her 70th. It was a great time, but the time together is never long enough.

Perception is different for everyone and how you perceive your life, yourself, and the world around you is just that.....up to you. I'm trying to live for today and do so without fear. Some days are easier than others. Life is too darn short. Don't let fear overtake you. Eat the cake and ice cream. Say I love you often. Laugh until you cry. If you get the chance, take that trip with your best friend, and live your best life. We are only on this earth for a limited time, so make the best of it. I'm sure I will have lots of stories to tell when we return from Florida. Until then, God knows the future, you don't so stop worrying and make wise decisions. Trust Him with the results.