My son Jared and his family are back from Kenya, Africa and are traveling for Thanksgiving. In New Orleans they experienced the French delicacy of beignets – served to them with great fanfare.
However, Jared recognized them instantly as the same fried dough with powdered sugar that the very poorest of Africans eat for pure subsistence. He found it quite amusing that the very lowest of food items was being served with a fancy name and a fancy price tag.
Isn’t it interesting how a simple reframing can change our view of what we have.
When my friend Sutton Parks was homeless he wrote about the amazing view through the sunroof in his car at night – while parked at a truck stop. And being able to go to the park and enjoy the beauty without having to pay any mortgage or utilities. He discovered gratitude for simple things he had missed previously.
While growing up my family was so poor we drank milk straight from the cow, had chicken for Sunday dinner that we grew on our farm, gathered wild blackberries from the fence rows, and ate sweet corn that had been picked that morning. Oh wait – I thought those were signs of being poor – and now I see people flock to Whole Foods to pay dearly for the same simple things.
When I went through a disastrous financial crash a few years back we no longer went to Sanibel Island for vacations. Instead we would spend time as a family playing games, typically with lots of neighborhood children included, and our kids remember that as a wonderful time in their growing up years.
What about the car you’re driving, the job you’ve got, the house you live in? Are you struggling in poverty or are you enjoying the life that only a small percentage of people in the world get to enjoy? If you make $34,500 you are in the top one percent of the richest people in the world.
So whether you are eating “beignets” or just “fried dough” may be little more than a matter of perspective.
Great post, Dan. Too often we can miss the moment and only recognize what we had after it is gone. Learning to reframe and appreciate in the moment is a gift we give to ourselves and others.
Debbie,
So true. I remember fondly many of the things I grew up with – when I wished we weren’t so “poor.”
Dan – perspective is such a powerful choice isn’t it? Love that it is available to all of us even through what can seem the toughest of times. Really helps to have those around us that can help us gain perspective during times we are feeling overwhelmed. Plays into the power of connection and how our choices in who and what we surround ourselves with can help shape our perspectives.
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL POST ON PERSPECTIVE!!
Jen – thanks so much for your comments. Yep – perspective can change quickly. But I don’t think I’ll be wowed by dough balls no matter what you call them.
LOL! No I don’t suppose you would be, nor by a whole other lot of trendy expensive things that are basic whole goodness type things you grew up with.
Wow, this is so very true! Some of the things I enjoy the most are very simple: dominoes with family and friends, sitting by the fire on a cold night, sleeping in. I don’t need money to do any of those, but I would much rather do these things than some of the events or commitments that I pay tens or hundreds of dollars for. Thank you for bringing up the fact that we should recognize the best moments for what they are and to keep everything in perspective.
Excellent examples.
Driving with the windows is a reminder to me as I drive down the road how close I am to those around.
This blog ties well with your blog about your view of growing up.
https://www.48days.com/how-do-you-tell-your-life-story/
When I hear the word perspective I can’t help but think of Andy Andrews’s “The Noticer.” What a great book on shifting your mindset. In my experience, there is one skill that can give you wisdom and a better perspective. It’s also the skill I see in people who are “the salt of the earth.” That is gratitude. When we focus on gratitude and express gratitude to others we shift our mindset from what we don’t have to what we do. I can’t think of a healthier way to approach life.
So right on. I have to say that anyone born in the USA got the golden ticket just like Willi Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I had a mild stroke about a year ago so every day I cherish. also while I’ve missed a meal here and there I can say I never went with hunger like so many people have to do today. I count my blessings every day and try to share as much as I can. I’m happy to that you share your wisdon and help people along the way. We met a year ago at New Media Expo and hope I can see you there again.
Our perspective is really important in how we see the word. You remind us all the time Dan about our perspective. I really enjoy the way you look at the world and your unique perspective on many things in life and in business. Happy New Year!
Tom,
Thanks so much for your comments. Yep – I love that we get to choose.