perspective

i wrote this for an essay in english class, regarding our beliefs in life. i edited it a little before posting on this, but i wanted to share.

I believe in the power of perspective. Thinking about other people's thought processes and what they are going through, allows you to be more understanding and to empathize with them more. Their perspective helps explain their actions and the reason behind why they do what they do (whether it is good or bad). This belief came to me through lots of experiences. I feel like just growing as a person, through out the past few years, I have just been considering others' perspectives more and more and it has allowed me to become so much more understanding and patient. 

This belief affects my life in many ways. I think that it has helped me become a better person and to practice that belief everyday, because it can be forgotten sometimes. It has allowed me to be a better person by allowing me to think of what other people are going through and do be more considerate, leading me to being more empathetic to the people around me. Sometimes I will jump to conclusions or become automatically upset or mad because of something somebody does or says, but then I think of perspective. I think, what if they are having the most terrible day? Everyone is just projecting how they are feeling inside and how they feel about themselves, whether they know it or not. So, thinking about what they might be going through lets you be forgiving and realize that there is more to it behind their actions. 

For example, I when I am feeling very low, and not having the best day, I know that I am not as friendly and cheerful to the people around me. I am quieter and more reserved. To some people, it may seem that I am upset with them, or I am moody. Of course, there are times where they can tell when something is wrong, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes we let our guard down and we make mistakes and say things we don’t mean. We project what we are feeling, and you just wish that the other person knew it isn’t them. It is just you are having a bad day. It’s important to acknowledge that and if you find yourself being a bit crabby or irritable to your loved ones, coworkers, etc., then you should let them know. Let them know that you’re not at your best and maybe apologize if you had said something you wish you hadn’t or in a way you didn’t want to. Because it gives them perspective. They may have already thought about it, but even if they did, you’re confirming that. 

Now, there won’t always be that communication. It could be a complete stranger, someone who wouldn’t feel comfortable acknowledging what they’re feeling to you. So, give them that benefit of the doubt, that small amount of time to think about what’s going on in their head or their lives.

Perspective is everything. It allows you to be more understanding. It paints a picture as to why other people (even you, even me), do things. It provides closure and it provides sense of things. Even if you don’t exactly know the other person’s perspective, thinking about their possible thoughts and reasonings gives you way more background and doesn’t keep your mind in a box. If you go through your life with tunnel vision, you will constantly be disappointed, and constantly be in conflict.