If you line up perfectly, you can hold the sun between your fingers. Most of us have done it. It makes a great picture! The reality of this phenomenon is all a matter of perspective. 

When seeing the sun from our perspective here on earth, it appears smaller than it actually is, allowing us to pinch it between our fingers. But move a fraction of an inch, and it’s hanging in the sky again without your help. 

Perspective changes everything. 

It’s easy to see the negative when presented with circumstances that weren’t in our plans. I believe it’s human nature. How can we stop looking at unwanted situations from one point of view? Let’s take the time to consider what circumstances look like from different angles. 

The Plan

At the beginning of 2020, I had the perfect plan. Our gym was thriving, my training business was on the rise, and I was fit and healthy. Everything was aligned for an exceptionally successful year. 

That is, until March when the pandemic struck. I thought the situation was bad, but the world’s crisis was only the tip of the iceberg. From my perspective, I couldn’t see the entire picture. I hadn’t discovered the massive chunk of ice under the water yet. 

In April, my entire life began to change. Not only was our gym business suffering from the government-mandated shutdown, but I was also at the beginning of survival. The plan for 2020 shifted, and my perfect perspective was gone.  

Analyzing The Plan

I have been a Christ-follower since I was 14 years old. Running to Him for comfort and protection came naturally for me while I was fighting to stay alive through my unexpected double-lung transplant. Clinging to His promises in the critical time of recovery was easy. The perspective from my hospital bed was that He was the only one who could handle such a colossal predicament. I trusted Him to do just that.

Nonetheless, the plan for 2020 had changed from that of success to one of survival. There would be no more personal training or nutrition coaching, no more going to the gym, no more business. Before any of those things could happen again, I first had to learn to walk again. Then I would need to figure out how to regain my strength before coaching others to find theirs. 

Nine months later, I find myself questioning how long it will take to get my career rolling again. Was I wrong about God’s purpose for my circumstances? I’m ready to work again. I long to help women make positive changes in their lives—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. But for some reason, the opportunities haven’t presented themselves yet. 

Negative self-talk was creeping into my heart. Can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t were some of the words bouncing around in my head. My perspective had changed from looking at the positive to focusing on the negative. 

I had a decision to make about my situation. I could let it tear my world apart, or I could consider looking at it from a positive perspective. 

Shifting Perspective

Since recognizing I have fallen into the habit of viewing things from a negative perspective, I’ve made the conscious decision to change.

A few of the questions I’ve been pondering are: 

• Why would God choose to use me?
• How can I use my situation to glorify Him? 
• What would God have me share about what He has done up to this point in my illness? 
• Who can I help specifically? 
• When will be the right time?

When I found myself answering these questions negatively, I changed my answers to positive ones. 

• I’m not capable — I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 
• No one wants my help — I have knowledge that others are seeking.
• It’s taking too long — God’s timing is perfect. Be patient! 

Have I mastered the art of having a positive perspective? Nope! It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning and feeling encouraged again about my future. 

I’m confident everything will work out in the end, even if it plays out differently than I see it from my perspective.

Change

You can also learn to change negative thinking into positive thinking. It will take some time to master, but the process is relatively simple. 

Here are some steps to follow: 

• Identify areas to change. Start by identifying areas of your life that usually bring negative thoughts. It might be work, a relationship, self-image, or unforeseen circumstances. You can start by focusing on one area to approach more positively. 
• Daily check-up. Throughout the day, stop to evaluate your thoughts. If you notice negativity, find the positive in the situation. It’s there! 
• Live a healthy lifestyle. Exercising and movement throughout the day, along with good gut health, which comes from a nutritious diet, helps your body produce “happy hormones” (dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin). These hormones are all involved in promoting a good mood and positive feelings.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Be sure to place positive people in your life. People who are supporting and who you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your abilities. 
• Laugh. When you allow yourself to laugh, it’s much harder to have negative thoughts. Give yourself permission to have fun.
• Practice speaking positively to yourself. Be kind and encouraging to yourself. Consider what you would say to a friend or loved one. If a negative thought enters your mind, decide if it’s rational. Respond with affirmations of what is good. Think about things you’re thankful for in your life.

Practicing a Positive Perspective

If you lean toward viewing circumstances from a negative perspective, don’t expect to change your outlook overnight. Keep practicing! In time, your perspective will become more positive. 

When you have an optimistic state of mind, you’ll begin to see the good in yourself and others. You may even find blessings that you’ve been overlooking. 

It’s all a matter of perspective.