Perspective

Subtitle: Begin Again

I had an unfortunate setback in a long term project I've been working on...the details are not important. But for a little while this morning I was devastated and felt defeated. But time and space are a good things.....and by the end of the day I was able to gain some perspective.

I went for a couple of restorative walks finding so many little moments that caught my attention and made me pause. 

Fresh air...sunshine...and a sweet little dragonfly were just the perspective I needed.  

Then I heard on the news that there was another school shooting in Minneapolis. 

My personal inconvenience seemed ridiculous next to this horrific event...giving me yet more perspective.

It's beyond my imagination how our society seems unwilling to do more to prevent gun violence. I said a little prayer for these families that are forever changed....hoping that the day will come when kids can feel safe in school again.

I puttered and puzzled...and even took the first steps in restarting my project.

Doing things I enjoy...and tackling tough stuff gives me perspective.

Then late this afternoon I stumbled on the Elissa Altman's article from Roseanne that I shared a few days ago. It happened to still be open on my computer.....so I read it again. This passage resonated with me today: 

All of the personal, small stories in this vast, ridiculous world: they're all tiny corners. Just the fact of them tethers us to the earth and to each other, and whether they're good stories or bad, they still manage to keep us human when we're grasping at straws.

This setback....is just another tiny corner....keeping me humble and human. There's always going to be gut wrenching news and life setbacks....but we always have the chance to get some perspective...and just begin again.