Motorcycle Madness to Joy --- Shifting Our Perspective

Have you ever encountered a situation and thought “Oh My!”? We all have, right? Here’s my story about one such experience, and how a shift in my perspective changed my entire outlook.

First, a bit about me (ahem)…I tend to be a tidy-nut. I like a clean house, with everything in its place and a place for everything. It serves me well, but it doesn’t always serve me, if you get my drift.

In the fall of 2013, I meet a man. He’s funny, genuine, and attentive. We seem to hit it off immediately. Eventually, he invites me to his home. I step in, and what do I see?!

A motorcycle in the middle of the living room! --- Oh My! Needless to say, I was a bit taken aback (stunned is a better word for what I really felt!). I winced quietly --- thinking to myself, “Hmmm, how does this fit into the picture I’ve created in my mind of our potential future together?”

I quickly learn it’s just one of many motorcycles, and other “projects” this wonderful man enjoys. He’s crazy about motorcycles, and music (he has a full drum kit in the living room, too, as well as two guitars, huge speakers --- you get the picture). Gosh darn! I really like this guy, but motorcycles everywhere? Oh My!

With a bit more time, I grew more in love with this man… and, then it happened!

Drum Roll Please --- My perspective shifted!

Yep! Miss tidy-nut herself could suddenly, and happily overlook the once perceived “mess.” I even surprised myself! How did this happen you say?

I realized this man really, really loves life. He has hobbies that make his soul sing. These things are his happy places. And now I get to experience those things with him. He plays his drums, guitars, and sings to me--- I even get to ride on cool motorcycles. I’m on the receiving end of his fun, and I like it.

Now, I’m happier, too!

So, the moral of this story is how often do we quickly judge something as “bad” and miss the joy? Of course, seeing things differently takes a willingness to do so. My willingness-and-want-factor was high. I really, really liked this guy.

With a bit of self-introspection, I soon realized it was ME who needed to let in some joy, pick up some new hobbies, lighten up, and have more fun. He was leading me back “home” to myself.

He didn’t need to change a thing (although, he did move the motorcycle out of the living room at his son’s prompting). A change in my perspective brought me peace, and more joy. And guess what?

Life has taken on a new sweetness!
What will you let in? How might you see things differently simply by being willing to shift your perspective? --- and, then maybe...just maybe, your life will get sweeter, too!

Creating Life’s Sweet Spots,
Dana
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