Perspective matters ~

 

This year, a wise lady told me two important words to remember. Those were, "perspective matters." 

And this is so true. In any situation, our perspective on how we react, respond, or be, matters. 

I was dwelling on the gruesome thought that every year, I would get my daily dose of reminders from random hi-bye acquaintances to the ever-faithful relatives, that Nivi it is time to 'get married.' Settle down. 

And usually, it would annoy the heck out of me. Because who wants to be reminded that we are "still" single, without a ring in our hand.  However, this time when someone pointed out the yearly reminder to me, I decided to play along and used humour to combat the ugly truth. You see, I can choose to be defensive and play the victim. I can choose to take it very personally and be offended, or I can choose to seriously not care because there are other important things for me to focus on. And, I choose the last option, with a dash of humour. 

Nagas here love to meddle and give their unwanted opinion on every subject under the sun. From pointing out (very openly) about someone's weight, (too fat or too thin) to people's personal matters, (single, married, divorced) to how parents should raise their children, and  the most popular advice, " get a government job." And how do we get on life, if we are offended every single time? For me, at first, it was a struggle, and it took me a lot of venting, and getting advice from close friends, to combat this 'culture shock.'  And in time, I am learning that people mean well. They air these opinions and advice because they care, and are concerned. Our perspective on how we take it, matters. Whether we take it with a pinch of salt, get offended, or completely disregard it. 

My perspective on certain matters has also begun to evolve. For example, last year, was brutal for me. But the good stuff that came, after, and along with the storm was a learning experience. I met some of the most lovely, creative funny people in my hometown. Made new friends, who became like family. Had a few crushes along the way, a little bit of limerance is good for the heart I believe. It stops the heart from freezing. There was the storm, and the calm after the storm. The grey clouds hovered, and the blue skies returned. 

Perspective matters. I can whine and grumble, play the victim card, and hold grudges till I am stuck and become bitter, sour salty; or I can be grateful for an amazing year, that opened my eyes to a whole new level of deconstructing, evolving and handling things from a new perspective. 

I hope that come what may, this New Year will enable us to view things from a new perspective, and when life gives us lemons, we will thank God, and make not only the best lemonade, but lemon curd, lemon pie,  and limoncello. Cheers!