LASTING IMPRESSIONS Choosing Perspective We all have a story. Close your eyes and take a moment to think of yours. Picture your journey over the years, your frame of mind, how you viewed yourself and those around you. Would you believe me if I told you your perspective vastly dictates your reaction to things that have happened to you? Perspective is a choice, and it’s up to you each day to decide how it will impact your life. One’s perspective is extremely important to a happy life, relationships (with yourself and others) and your mental health. In times like these — when we are living through a pandemic — it’s easy to feel down. However, it’s in times like these that it’s essential to keep the right perspective. It took a life-changing event for me to understand perspective in a whole new light. It would be a defining moment in my life. Five years ago, when I turned 37 years old, I received a phone call from a close aunt. She insisted I come to her house immediately because she had something important to tell me. The worst thoughts went through my head. I anticipated news that my favorite aunt was going to tell me she had a terminal illness. After I arrived, I quickly realized it was not about her, it was about me. To make a long story short, that day I found out that I was adopted. The parents who raised me were not my biological parents. I was at a fork in the road. Perhaps you’ve been there, too. For me, I could choose to accept the news and make the best of it or be angry and let that anger fester and destroy me. It reminded me of the Choose Your Own Adventure books I read as a child. It occurred to me that the choice is up to me. What did I choose? I chose to accept the news and forced myself to look at it from others’ perspectives. From the lens of my birth parents, who — at a young age — didn’t think they could care for me properly and wanted me to grow up in a good home with people who could. I decided to see that they did the best they could in a tough situation and, ultimately, were looking out for my best interests. I chose to look at it that way instead of letting negative thoughts enter my mind. This was a choice I made, and since then, life has been full of joy. I’ve gotten to know my new family and we are very close now. I love them dearly and feel grateful I have the chance to build a future with them. “ My challenge to you is to remember that perspective is a choice. ” My challenge to you is to remember that perspective is a choice. You own that decision and can choose your own adventure. Try to look at situations from everyone’s perspective, as it can help shape your own. Think positively and look to the future, not the past. Carpe diem! NATALINA FICKELL Community Relations & Associate Programs Specialist, Grange Insurance Visit our website at EnvisionProvenSuccess.com to make a one-time, monthly or annual contribution — and to volunteer your expertise. ENVISIONPROVENSUCCESS.COM | 43
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