Perspective

As we move through life we change perspectives.

 

When we are children we see our world in one way and as we mature that view evolves (ideally) with us into a more mature view. Granted you have to wonder about some people who seem to remain stuck in the toddler's perspective of what's mine is mine and by the way EVERYTHING is mine. But overall I like to think the majority of us move along the path towards, for lack of a better term, enlightenment.

 

Certain exceptions must be made for political campaign season obviously. But I digress...

 

So ... perspective and growth. I find it interesting that some people of my acquaintance believe that when you're young it is understandable to be idealistic and thus have a live and let live, take care of each other and the planet. But that as you age you "grow out of that" and realize what life is all about. Really? And what is life all about then according to this perspective? Making money and keeping it as much as possible?

 

According to that perspective as you grow and mature you become MORE self-focused and have a more looking out for number one world view. This seems to contradict that Psychology 101 class I took as an undergrad which said we start out in life as self-centered me/my/mine creatures whose world view expends over time as we learn to be considerate and realize that the world does not revolve around "me". (Really fighting the urge to toss in a comment or two about politics aren't you?)

 

Interesting then that in other cultures as a person grows older and leaves their work life behind they turn to "good works" and dedicate themselves to outreach and volunteering and taking care of others in their communities - especially if they have been blessed with a successful life. They turn outward. Perspective: Caring for others is the right thing to do!

 

This causes me to wonder about the culture (overall) of the United States - gross generalization I know as there are a mix of cultures here brought to these shores by various immigrants - but bear with me. Americans in general like to think of themselves as a generous people. When disaster strikes around the globe we donate money and "stuff" to relief organizations and then pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. We might actually do this from our cell phones as we step around the homeless person in front of us on our city streets. We can't see the trees in the forest... until we walk right into one and disaster hits our own families. Then the yelling begins about how the government doesn't do enough. Perspective: keep the government out of my business until I need help and then by God that help had damned well better be there!

 

We're also a nation priding itself on individualism. The whole I did it all by myself mentality. Which is okay so far as it goes and so long as it doesn't shove the less fortunate out of the way as we charge forward in pursuit of our own individual dreams. Perspective: Look out for Number One!

 

So what have we done? Have we nurtured a culture of self-centered brats? Adult-sized toddlers who don't want to share, who throw tantrums when they don't get their way, and are only ever looking out for themselves?

 

I like to think not.

 

I like to think that the majority of us do look out for each other, do care about less fortunate, fully understanding that "there but for the grace of God go I" is a reality. We do have relief organizations in the United States, charities of all sorts to help a vast number of causes and fill a vast number of needs. Yet they are all struggling. Some because the operating costs outweigh the amounts going to the programs and services (much of those costs being wrapped up in salaries). Others struggle because the rest of us have less and less available to donate. Others still because grant funding is drying up. Perspective: Help those whose role it is to help others and we all prosper!

 

My perspective? Life is about growth. It is about learning. It is about using the gifts and talents you were born with to develop the skills and grace to do good in this world. Maybe you can't give huge sums of money to fund some great project. But maybe you can reach out to that elderly neighbor, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, at your church or your local animal shelter (saw that one coming didn't you?). Small things mean so very much. Donate your old gently used clothing, shovel a neighbor's sidewalk in the winter, support the organizations in your area that help those less fortunate than you. Perspective: Giving of yourself is good for you!

 

After all, one day you might be in need of such help and support and when that day comes your perspective will really shift.