A Little Perspective

“…you know what I’m craving? A little perspective. That’s it. I’d like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective.”

-RATATOUILLE (2007)

Some people quote literature, others classic films, but me? I like to quote animated Disney movies meant for children.

This past week I caught myself referring to the movie RATATOUILLE on three separate occasions, specifically the line: “A little perspective.”

As people, parents and partners, we often get wrapped up in the little dramas of everyday life. Criticizing others and the world around us comes too easy. C’mon, who hasn’t had a word or two to say about Tiger Woods?

We could all use a little perspective.

In recent years the winter months have kind of been a struggle for me. I like to blame it on seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression caused by darker days and not enough sunshine. But, honestly, sometimes life can just get overwhelming what with holiday preparations and everything else that gets tossed our way.

This year, I gave myself an early gift. I got myself some perspective.

A child almost dies, a couple divorces and a friend balances close to losing their home to foreclosure. Nothing like putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, to gain some “perspective.”

So fond of this newfound perspective, I find myself sharing the concept with others (hence the referrals to RATATOUILLE). Times are tough for many, for so many different reasons, do we really want to dwell on the negative?

Today, I am thankful for my beautiful children, my supportive husband and the roof over my head. These blessings are so much more important than all the other things that swirl around us and distract us on a daily basis.

I choose to have perspective.

written for http://blog.sacramentoparent.com