What you are able to see in life all depends on where you are and to which direction you look.
Looking back on my life I can recall many wonderful moments. I can remember what shirt I was wearing, what my father said, how big the fish was, but I can never recall one thing: my perspective. Perspective is an amazing thing; it moves with you through life, and shifts as you grow.
In an earlier Blog entry I discussed My Fitness Journey, a chronological rundown of how I came to be where I am now. Growing up on a farm, moving to San Francisco, living in Spain, training in gymnastics, Pilates, Yoga, rock climbing, bodybuilding, all of these moments in my life had a corresponding perspective. And with all of my varying perspectives came new definitions and new value systems. It seems discovering myself was really about expanding and exploring all my potential perspectives.
I've never been one to have a single passioned life. In fact, I envy those that have the drive to delve so deeply into a craft or vocation. I am more of the jack of all trades. I become interested in something new, shift gears, and dig in until I become proficient. Now I realize why this pattern exist in my personality. I enjoy learning, moving, and reevaluating common themes with a new outlook.
No experience is identical to another. All moments in life are unique. The when, where, why, who, and how all paint different strokes on how we experience the world. The empowerment comes from realizing our control over the these elements.
New experiences aren't necessarily tied to new things--new perspective can create new experiences out of old things.
So as the New Year approaches look back at your life with a smile and look forward with hope and excitement. You have the ability to enjoy the world in endless ways. We change, the world changes, and if it doesn't at least your perspective will.
