An alternative to courage
My aunt took my children and I on a lovely little trip this past week. The hotel not only sat on a beautiful beachfront property but it also had a ton of never-seen activities to try out.
One of these was a fish spa. 🐟
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Imagine a fish tank filled with minnow-sized fish. Now imagine putting your bare feet into the tank and letting them nibble your feet clean. (It’s a thing in some parts of Asia.)
My son jumped at the chance. He thought the fish were so cute and without hesitation plunged his tootsies in. My daughter was curious but nervous. It took her a day but she also gave it a go. They were so pleased with how soft their feet felt afterwards.
I on the other hand was having a hard time just watching! I felt so proud of them for being brave and open to trying this new experience. But as I noticed the giggles and pleasure, I realized their decision didn’t require courage. I was scared, but they were excited. We had different perspectives.
Perspective is something we can always gift ourselves. Whether you have difficulty dealing with family, are going through something trying, or just trying to create a new healthy habit, perspective changes everything.
Have you ever been in a situation where something felt easy for you? Where you were the one encouraging someone to give it a go? It can be difficult to understand that each of us starts in a different place when we’re faced with something. You might have said words like, “It’s fine! It’s only…” Or, “it’s not that big of a deal.” It’s all relative and based on how you see what lies in front of you. Perspective changes everything.
When you choose a new way to see a situation, person, or life, you choose to learn, to release, or to enjoy it instead of getting frustrated, mustering up courage, or feeling bad.
For my birthday or the holidays, I love to gift myself with intention. I choose one thing I’d like to grow into. Maybe this holiday season you’ll join me in gifting yourself perspective. You may not be in control of the first thought that pops into your head, but you can most certainly choose the next one.
🔍 Be aware of how you’re viewing what’s in front of you.
🧩 Get creative on how else you might see this.
Most of us are raised to believe the only way to change our relationship with fear is to overpower it. But I offer you a gentler alternative. Rather than turning up your courage, you can turn down your fear - with perspective.
I invite you to choose something in your life and get creative about how else you can see this. Just offering your mind possibility is how you begin to create it.
