This is the time of year when we look back at the previous year to evaluate, process and plan for this brand-new year. 

For some, last year was fabulous, for others it may have been a challenging year or perhaps a bit of both. It is how we grow, after all.

A lot is going on in the world right now. Imagine changing HOW we view our surroundings.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer

This is so true.

Sometimes we get upset at people for reacting to situations in a different way than we would react. We are all individuals.  Doesn’t it make sense we each might have a distinct view?

If we took an extra moment to think of the situation from their point of view, it might make a difference.

This isn’t in every situation. Sometimes people do some terrible things that can only be taken one way. This doesn’t mean treat people with disrespect and expect them to accept what you say, no questions asked.

The situations I am speaking of are when there may be different options for a solution.

I am suggesting we all take an extra moment to consider other possibilities.

Right now, mental health is a huge concern for so many.

Is this really that surprising? Everything is posted online. Instagram is filled with beautiful people.

What people don’t think about is the fact that only the perfect pictures are posted, often with the use of filters.  Is it no wonder people, especially the young have lower self-esteem? Filters are not real life.

This probably won’t be changing anytime soon.

This is only one example. Add to this all the other social media platforms, each with their own issues.

It is up to us to change how we look at things, how we look at ourselves and what we teach our children.

Each of us is a beautiful person.

Each of us have gifts we share with the world.

Most people don’t realize the impact they have on other people.  

Have you ever had someone come up to you and mention something you said to them previously?

You may not have even remembered saying it.  Yet, it made an impact on this person.

I remember years ago, when I was a teenager, walking through a mall with my parents.

My father managed a football team of underprivileged kids several years prior to this situation in a different province.

A man came up to my father and gave him a big hug. He told him he was now a lawyer. He said my father was the only one who ever believed in him, who ever showed him any respect.

My father worked with many young men. He barely remembered this young man, yet he made a huge impact in his life.

Always be kind. You never know if you touch someone at a time in their life when they need it most.

It all comes down to perspective.

We have the choice to change the way we think. We may not always have the opportunity to change our circumstances, but we do have the choice on how we respond.

Are you interested in expanding your perspective and how you think?

I will be teaching a workshop in Calgary. We will be going through exercises on changing learned behaviours as well as how we see ourselves. Please join me:

Included in the workshop is the book “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay.

As the saying goes, we learn something new every day. I would like to add to this by saying: Let’s learn something positive about ourselves every day.

May 2020 be a fabulous year with an even better perspective.

Alanna Scott King