Reflections on perspective and how it significantly affects the quality of our lives and experiences
Early this month, parts of Los Angeles County, California, United States were hit by devastating wildfires, aided by strong winds and prolonged drought conditions. That region is arguably one of the driest areas in the world and very prone to wildfires and this happens to various degrees every year.
According to media reports, some lives have been lost, many structures have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced. Firefighters have struggled to contain the fire, but over 23,000 acres of land are reportedly burnt: it is quite bad. Firefighting efforts continue as the fires rage on, and forecasts warn of high winds and dry conditions that may further exacerbate the situation. Many companies have made substantial donations and provided support for relief efforts. Even Mexico, America’s next-door neighbour has stepped in to support. It is indeed a tough time for all those who are even remotely affected in some way.
I have read and listened to stories of people who muscled up the courage to save people caught in the fires, those who died trying to save others, those who attempted to save their houses and lost their lives in the process, and those who lost loved ones and precious property. I cannot imagine what anyone there is going through. I keep wondering what may be going through the minds of those who have survived but lost everything. How will they cope? Where will they start from? How will they even survive? I keep wondering how I would get on if I had experienced this and I honestly cannot even visualise it.
Two videos that I watched remain etched in my memory. The first video shows a man standing inside a house with another man and a dog as the blazing fires sweep around the building. One can see the fires raging on outside through the floor-to-ceiling windows but the house appears insulated in some way as one doesn’t see smoke within the building. In all of this, the two people remain calm. I cannot imagine how hot it would have been in the house. Was it built to withstand wildfire? Who knows? Thankfully, I found a report that said both men and the dog were reported to be safe.
The second video is of a 91-year-old man being interviewed by the BBC. He was one of the 32,500 people ordered to evacuate their homes as a result of the wildfire in Pasadena. What he said to the interviewer has been ringing in my mind since I watched that video: “It’s my whole life…. it’s my entire history inside the house… I’m ok, I’ll be ok. I am tough and we’ll start over… Even though I am 91 years old, I will start all over again.”
Such an interesting perspective from an even more interesting mind. At 91, many people would assume he should have given up and be prepared to leave this world. Baba said no, he will start again. At 91, faced with probably the greatest challenge of his life, he chooses to think positively. I imagine someone else wailing and rolling on the ground while screaming “I am finished, God just take me” over and over again.
I believe very strongly that how we respond to life and its challenges is largely dependent on how we see life (our perspective) and not on what life dishes out to us. Scientific studies abound showing how having positive thoughts about bad situations can positively impact how people live through that experience. Yes, something bad has happened to you or you are going through a rough patch but what one chooses to focus on at that time is more important than what one is going through.
Take, for example, two individuals who lose their jobs on the same day. One sees it as the end of their career and falls into despair, lamenting their fate and questioning their self-worth. The other sees it as an opportunity — perhaps to pursue a passion, learn a new skill, or explore a different career path. Same situation, vastly different outcomes. The difference lies in perspective.
A change in perspective doesn’t mean ignoring the pain or the loss. It doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay when it isn’t. Instead, it is about finding meaning in the chaos, a silver lining in the storm. It is about choosing not to let the negative experience define your life but rather to use it as a stepping stone to something better.
The older man from the video I mentioned earlier exemplifies this perfectly. At 91, starting over is no small feat. And yet, his calmness and resolve in the face of unimaginable loss show a deep understanding of something we often forget: life, at its core, is not about what happens to us but about how we respond.
One way to build the kind of resilience the old man demonstrated is to shift focus. When bad things happen, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the negative aspects. But what if we asked ourselves different questions? Instead of “Why me?” we could ask, “What can I learn from this?” or “What can I do differently moving forward?”
Shifting focus doesn’t mean ignoring problems; it means redirecting your energy toward solutions. It means finding gratitude even in difficult times. The practice of gratitude has been proven to improve mental well-being, and it can help us see beyond the immediate pain.
Consider a person recovering from a debilitating illness. They could focus solely on the discomfort, the limitations, and the time lost to their condition. Or they could choose to celebrate small victories: the first day without pain, the ability to walk a short distance, and the support of loved ones.
Perspective is also shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. The way we narrate our experiences can either empower us or hold us back. If we see ourselves as victims of circumstance, we relinquish control over our lives. But if we see ourselves as survivors, as people capable of adapting and overcoming, we take back that control.
It’s why storytelling is such a powerful tool in shaping perspective. The stories of those who have faced adversity and come out stronger can inspire us to do the same. When we read about or hear about someone else’s journey, it broadens our understanding of what’s possible.
It’s easy to talk about perspective in the context of life-altering events like wildfires or illnesses, but what about the smaller, everyday challenges? How do we maintain perspective when dealing with a demanding boss, a traffic jam, or a missed opportunity?
The truth is, perspective is a habit. It’s something we can practice and strengthen over time. When faced with minor inconveniences, we can train ourselves to see the bigger picture. Does being stuck in traffic mean you’ll have a chance to listen to your favourite podcast? Does a demanding boss push you to develop skills you might not have otherwise? Everyday life presents countless opportunities to practice perspective. The more we do, the better equipped we are to handle the bigger challenges when they arise.
Ultimately, perspective is about choice. We may not have control over everything that happens to us, but we do have control over how we choose to see it. And that choice has the power to shape our experiences, our relationships, and our lives. The 91-year-old man chose hope over despair. He decided to believe that starting over, even at his age, was possible. And in doing so, he reminded us all of the resilience of the human spirit.
What about you? The next time life throws something unexpected your way, ask yourself: What do you see? Will you focus on the destruction or the possibility of rebuilding? Will you dwell on the loss or celebrate the opportunity for a fresh start? The choice is yours. And as you make that choice, remember this: perspective isn’t just about what we see; it’s about what we choose to see. It’s about finding light in the darkness, strength in the struggle, and hope in the face of uncertainty. This is the way I see things today.