New year, new perspective
WE ALL BREATHED A SIGH OF RELIEF with the end of 2020—it was a bad year for many people. “2021 will be much better” was the chant that we heard and repeated. This belief helped many of us through the end of 2020 and gave us hope in what was to come. However, for many, 2021 was worse! Whether it was due to COVID, cancer, loss of a loved one, etc. it was another tough year.
A friend of mine told me recently, “You have had a tough year.” Between ill parents, a cancer scare, the death of a dear friend, a brain tumor diagnosis, and having COVID, I guess it could be viewed as a “tough year.” Interestingly, I do not look at it like that. Even in the midst of tough times, one can remain hopeful, happy, and positive. It’s all about perspective.
Perspective is defined as “a particular way of regarding something.” In photography, it’s about the angle, positioning, and reflection of the subject. In drawing, it’s about the spatial relationship of objects as they might appear to the eye. As a point of view, it’s about the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.
We could learn a lot from children as they have an amazing perspective—especially children with cancer. Most of these children are diagnosed at a young age and do not know anything different other than their current situation. Even if they are sick, children remain happy and playful. They learn to adapt to their surroundings and feelings. Just imagine if we, as adults, could be as adaptable as children. That would mean that even in the midst of an illness, the loss of a loved one, an unexpected diagnosis, or any other difficult time, we could remain happy.
Perhaps if our perspective is peace, gratefulness, and love, this year will be a wonderful year—no matter what happens. Looking for the good in people and situations would certainly change our point of view. Being thankful in all situations would definitely change our perspective. It is not something that is easy to do and takes a lot of practice. When I encounter a cancer patient who remains positive and thankful, it puts my own life in perspective. I am grateful for these reminders to live in the moment and look for happiness in any situation.
May your New Year be filled with many blessings and positive perspectives!
Jean Schoen is the founder and president of Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio, Inc. (419-725-1100).
