When life does not flow along quite as you had planned or smoothly as you had hoped, remember, it’s all about perspective. It isn’t easy relocating a family of six to an entirely new part of the country, finding ourselves living in a hotel suite as we look for a place to live. The house-hunting process is taking a bit longer than we had hoped so we find ourselves making conscious decision to change our whoa-is-me attitudes.
Do you see that elevator door in the title image above? We see the inside and outside of that door everyday. Multiple times. Every day. At first my country-bumpkin children thought it was sooooo cool to push the button, ride up and down. Now after weeks of riding this stainless car up and down, in and out, the thrill has worn off a bit. They no longer race to see who gets there first or fight over who’s going to push the button this time.
To balance out our perspective we are taking time to get out and about at least a little everyday. I won’t bore you with our repetitive house-hunting trips and tours but I’d love to show you five of our favorite outdoor adventures in recent weeks. Adventures that we are using to change our perspective so we don’t focus so much on the inconveniences and disappointments that crop up in our circumstances these days.
We are enjoying some terrific hiking trails and park paths nearby. A walk in the sunshine or stroll under a canopy of trees does wonders for your outlook. Take time to stop and look up rather than just trudging along.
Have you read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett? I think we may have discovered it! Exploring places we’ve never seen before make it feel like we are finding secrets and making discoveries. It encourages a more positive attitude.
Experiencing the discovery of new places inspires our imagination, too. Exercising the imagination is a sure-fire cure to cabin fever so I highly recommend exploring the world around you.
Our family now lives in an area rich in history of all sorts. One day recently we had the pleasure of joining Mr & Mrs Nathaniel Hawthorne as they celebrated their Wedding Anniversary. It was a happy (and educational) affair, as we enjoyed hearing “first-hand” what life was like in their home, The Wayside, oh so many years ago. No electricity? Horse and buggy? Now, that changes our perspective! They were gracious hosts. Mr. Hawthorne was uncharacteristically social that day, taking time to answer questions and discuss our thoughts on his writings.
Peeking back into history, walking the paths where life-changing events occurred, help put life into perspective. We may be living in small quarters but we do not have red-coated soldiers marching up to our front door, father and brothers do not poised to run out at a moment’s notice to literally fight for the safety of their family. We may not have a fully functional kitchen but we don’t have to haul wood or stoke the fire or butcher the pig or churn the butter to fill our bellies.
We are looking forward to being in our own home, soon we hope, but in the meantime, we are working at putting a new perspective on our days. What about you? How do you put on a adopt a new perspective? What helps you change your attitude when life doesn’t go your way?
I’m joining the Five on Friday party over at Love Made My Home and sharing at some of these wonderful places as well.
Hello from southern California. I so enjoyed your photos of the historical place you live. I hope you find your forever home soon. My best to you, Pat
Thank you, Pat, for stopping by to enjoy my family’s excursions. and for the well-wishes. There’s a home waiting for us somewhere and we’ll be ready for it when we find it! Blessings to you, Linda
Several years ago, our family made a cross-country move, and while house hunting, we lived with friends for a couple weeks. Basically, we had a family of 4 in 1 bedroom. It was awkward, but we made the best of it. We were thankful that we had a place to stay. I know your family feels the same way. The hotel is uncomfortable and cramped, but you are thankful that it’s climate-controlled, safe, and dry.
I tend to complain a lot when things don’t go my way. If I would just remember that all things that come to me have been allowed by God and that He has a divine purpose in them, I might do better at embracing those difficulties.
Thanks for hosting this lovely party.
Blessings,
Patti @ Embracing Home
Thank you for the encouraging note, Patti. I tend toward being a complainer too, so these unusual circumstances give me opportunity to practice looking for the silver lining and seeking out the positive.
God has provided for us every step of the way – He’s opened doors and made things possible when we weren’t sure if they’d ever work out. It’s so exciting to see it all come together!
I’m so glad you joined in the party – Blessings to you!
I bet that was a rough time for sure but you are right that it is often all about perspective.