I saw this image on social media recently and it gave me pause to reflect on how we can reframe our perception of our reality and how doing so consistently can change our perspective on life. In some ways, it’s answering the classic half empty or half full question and then deciding you’d rather have a different perspective than you tend to default to. For example, for the first 30 years of my life, I saw things negatively and in turn my perspective on life became a negative, pessimistic one. There were valid reasons for why I viewed things this way but I came to a point in my life that I had healed those issues and wanted to live more positively, more joyfully for my well being and the well being of my new baby. To shift my perception and my perspective was no quick, easy task and still occasionally requires recalibrating.

Reframing requires us to shift our thinking, rewriting those scripts we have ingrained in us and operate on autopilot. Here are some tips for reframing your perception and perspective that you can try out:

1. Be intentional about the change you want to make and turn off autopilot mode. If you aren’t clear on what you want to change or aren’t committed to it, you will have a harder time changing. (Note: Don’t try to change everything all at once. Start with one thing.)
2. Be gentle and patient with yourself during the process because you won’t get it right every time. It takes time and practice to change.
3. Find external ways to support the change. It’s easy to get all jumbled up in our thoughts and feelings so external supports can help us stay on track. For example, tell a confidant and make a plan for checking in with them on your progress. If journaling is a helpful way for you to process, journal about your successes and struggles with making the change. If you love inspirational quotes as much as I do, you could put quotes that inspire you in strategic places where you will see them in your home and office where you will be reminded and encouraged on your quest.
4. Celebrate when you get it right! This will reinforce those instances where you have success and spark more of them.

Eventually, you will have created a shift in your perception and perspective and created a new normal for yourself. As always, know that I wish you well on your journey to the joyful life you want.