Shifting perspective is a huge theme in the process of change. It may be the thing we have the most power over, and that is most powerful in improving our relationship with the world.

Let’s go back to our metaphor from last week’s post; instead of thinking of something difficult in our life as the image of a box we don’t want to come near, we see a shiny gift, waiting to be unwrapped.

A trauma from the past may seem like an ugly, scary box we want to keep tucked away. But it can become a lovely gift when we bring it to the light, re-wrap it in compassion and share the healing and strength we gain with others.

We may see something as a burden, but when wrapped differently, it becomes a gift. For instance, there is a lot of negative messaging about ADD/ADHD. Our culture sees it as something to pathologize and medicate. Now don’t get me wrong; it does have it’s difficult side, as I know from personal experience. But if that’s all I focused on I would miss the deep core trait of equity, the adventuresome and creative mind, the empathy, tenacity and creative problem solving I see in myself and many others with whom I’ve had contact over the years.

It may seem bold to say, but I posit that EVERY perceived weakness has a flip side strength. It is important to be real with what is currently happening if we want things to change. But when, rather than drudgery, we see a task as a new, exciting challenge to face, our whole attitude changes. Or we can look at a mundane task as a blessing (having laundry means I have clothes to wear. Doing dishes means I had something to eat).

I read “Peace Is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and global peace prize recipient, when I was in my twenties. It changed the way I thought about every chore. He wrote:

“I enjoy taking my time with each dish, being fully aware of the dish, the water, and each movement of my hands. I know that if I hurry in order to eat dessert sooner, the time of washing dishes will be unpleasant and not worth living. That would be a pity, for each minute, each second of life is a miracle. The dishes themselves and the fact that I am here washing them are miracles!”

It does take time to re-train the body and mind to do things a different way, but why not start?

Try one (or all) of these: 1. Consider a challenge from your past that is effecting you now. How can that challenge be used to bless others? 2. Think of something you consider to be a weakness. Write down a few strengths that could come from that thing. 3. Practice a chore you don’t particularly like in a mindful way. Think of the positives in doing the task and focus on it as an important part of your life. If you find your mind wandering to other things, bring it back to the blessing of the moment.

If you’d like help with any of the exercises in the blog, remember that I’m happy to do a free first hour session for anyone interested in life coaching!