The power of perspective - from the worst year ever to a year of inspiration

I sat down to reflect on 2013 and concluded it was the worst year ever. Some horrific things happened which knocked me for six – possibly even further. Feeling rather disheartened by it all, I shifted my focus to thinking about the highlights of the year and a smile immediately appeared on my face as the list grew longer and longer. Here are just a few (in no particular order!): 

1)    Saraswoti, my daughter, obtaining 72% in her SLC (class 10) results. In a year in which only 38% of students passed, I am even more proud of her achievement.

2)    The enormous feedback from my op-ed piece in Nepal’s Republica newspaper titled “Nepal is not poor” gave me hope.

3)    Despite the circumstances, the opportunity to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law and my nephews in Adelaide was a gift.

4)    The passion and energy of the group of students from Charles Sturt University when they spent 3 weeks with us completing their practical teacher training was so much fun.

5)    Setting up our new hostel and the bravery of the kids who came with us inspired me and gave me reason to believe again.

6)    Winning the Rotary Inspirational Woman of the Year Award as well as the Edna Ryan Award for Mentoring humbled me.

7)    My parents, who supported me through a very dark time in ways they will never fully know.

8)    Working with Riviera again and the mentoring I receive from the principal, Prajwal.

9)    The incredible support of my daughter, Nimu, who gives me so much courage and strength every day.

10) A morning spent with Jo Fedler which reminded me of the power of conversations with amazing people.

11) On the same theme, the conversations had over the month she spent in Nepal with Niki Simpson challenged me to think and debate my views of development.

12) The challenges I faced throughout the year gave me opportunities to learn so many lessons and to really focus on what is important to me. This is a gift for which I am very grateful.

 

When I reached the 50^th highlight of the year, I felt like dancing. How could I have felt that 2013 was horrible with a list of 50 pieces of evidence to the contrary? There was so much to be grateful for, so much beauty in the chaos of the storm.
A simple change in my perspective, my focus, gave me confidence to face the new year with a new appreciation of the gifts 2013 had given me.

 

So what challenges are you facing at the moment? And how could a shift in perspective give you a boost in the right direction?

 

(Thanks to Sally Morgan for the amazing image).