A friend shared a story with me which encourages me on my quest to embrace 2020 with optimism. Because it showed me the power of a new perspective in New Year’s resolutions I would like to share it with you too.
So, here’s the story. Paula was on the subway with several colleagues and her baby daughter. The infant’s cries were filling the subway car.
The crying did not stop.
All their efforts to calm her were futile.
When I was faced with an inconsolable infant, as a new mom, I felt like a failure. My perception, (which I now know is completely flawed), was infants of skilled moms would be calm, always radiating blissful contentment. They did not cry.
Therefore, when my infants cried, I had failed.
The Power of a New Perspective
The women with Paula had a completely different perspective.
They were not avoiding eye contact with the exasperated people on the subway.
They were astonished by the baby’s strength. They were jubilant.
Their perspective was this persistent crying was an indicator of a positive character trait in the child. She would mature into a strong, capable woman.
As a result, Paula relaxed.
Can you imagine how freeing this assumption was? You may not have experienced being unable to comfort a screaming baby, but I imagine you have had had a similar situation in your life.
Maybe you have one right now.
An unwelcomed situation; unchanging regardless of what you do.
Prayers appear to be unanswered.
Anxiety grows. And possibly also frustration.
Imagine if a change in perspective could free you.
The Power of a New Perspective in New Year’s Plans
Which brings me back to my plan of being more optimistic in the new year. If you missed my post about my new year’s plan you can catch it here
I need to clear out my garage, this year.
You may think this is a simple task. But not for me!
Every time the garage door opens, I am reminded of the need for action.
As a result, I usually close the door quickly and race into the house.
I am overwhelmed thinking about it. There are memories to be sorted in every box. Sorting through memory-laden items exhausts me.
The task seems insurmountable, as a result, I feel anxious.
I cringe as I remember the difficulty I have experienced with similar tasks in the past. Ones remaining uncompleted.
I feel inadequate.
Why should I start, only to fail………
Leading to the excess in the garage. 😊
Action Plan
Clearly my perspective needs to change So, I am viewing it as a solvable puzzle.
One that I can use my creative skills to solve.
I know unfounded optimism does not change things.
But I am going to pray.
This verse gives me great advice.
” Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (TPT)
So, I will pray for direction on how to start and how to make decisions when sorting and organizing.
I know during the process I will draw closer to Jesus which is a bigger prize than a clean garage.
I am also looking forward to exchanging anxiety for the peace promised in verse 7.
With my changed perspective, I will dive in.
Maybe you will be encouraged to give it a try too. Let me know in the comments section if you do.
I am thankful for the story Paula shared. It prompted me to see the power of a new perspective.
Meanwhile, are you wondering about the baby? Well, I have the joy of knowing her.
The ladies were right. She has grown into a beautiful strong, and capable young woman!
Photo credits in order of appearance: Alyssa Stevenson on Unsplash and photo-nic.co.uk nic on Unsplash