Two words: conscious choice.

For every point of view that I defend to the ground, I could, if I wanted to, consciously choose another.

To be honest, most of the time I don’t wanna. I resist. After all, I like my default perspectives. They are familiar and comfortable and ring true. Other points of view feel stupid and untrue. I have no interest in being a Pollyanna.

Perspectives being perspectives, is one really more true than another?

One could argue that a perspective is all internal and separate from outside factors… so maybe our point of view doesn’t even matter. Or does it?

Here’s a personal example where I am receiving coaching:

Me: My kid’s toys are taking over the livingroom. There’s not enough space for everything. We’re drowning in stuff. I’ve been decluttering for years and it’s not getting any better. It’s a burden and it’s hopeless. Argh!

The topic = clutter.

The perspective = despair.

During 15 minutes of coaching, I gamely tried on several different perspectives. It was like trying on different outfits: some felt ridiculous, others felt different. One, in particular, felt good.

Me: You know, it’s actually wonderful to have all the stuff we have. Toys, clothes, books, it’s all great stuff. For example, I have over ten lip balms, and frankly, I love them all!

So even though not one fact of circumstance had changed, suddenly I felt better. The perceived burden had vanished. Hm…

The topic = clutter.

The new perspective = I love my stuff.

The assignment = Sit with my stuff for 5 minutes, twice a week. Feel how delightful it is to have stuff.

If I stay in this new perspective, I wonder what will happen?