Perspective Can Make all the Difference

I have always thought that there are three sides to every story. One for each side of the fence and then, somewhere in the middle is reality. I don’t mean to suggest that someone on either side of the fence is lying intentionally. Rather, I think that each side simply has their own perspective.

When a situation occurs, they determine what they see with the filters they were given, or gathered, through life. Actions are taken, or not taken, based on what a person feels is happening. This happens for the person on the opposite side of the fence as well. I would like to think that most people are trying to make an honest effort based on what they perceive. The problem with this is that people can have very different perspectives, even when looking at the same thing.

Of course, there are those who intentionally go out of their way to create drama and havoc. Regardless of their perspective, these people are self-serving, mean and cruel. I am not talking about those people. Those people suck and no one has time for them.

For most normal and loving people….This difference in perspectives can create a vast array of interpretations though. Take a dandelion. There is a large group of people who would look at this plant as a weed. And yet, there are many others who would claim it to be a flower.  According to Wikipedia, “the dandelion plant is a beneficial weed, with a wide range of uses, and is even a good companion plant for gardening.” The funny thing is that the dandelion is still the same. How can it be considered so differently? Perspective. Depending on your set of filters, it is a weed or it is a flower. For me, it’s technical definition is irrelevant. I could care less what people call it. To me, it is a flower. It is beauty.

The first stage of the dandelion is yellow and bright. So full of light. And then it seems to fade out into this pale, pokey form. But in a little time, this “dying” weed take a new form of beauty. Its “petals” become almost feather-like and can float in the breeze like dreams.

This transformation is symbolic for my life I think. I feel like the bright, youthful me has disappeared over the years from life experiences. For a time, I was starting to fade. My perspective on life was pale, and growing dim. But now, it is starting to transform. I am starting to find myself once more. My goals are forming again and with some effort, they will float into my reality. All I need to do is make the wish (a solid plan) and blow (the hard work). Call me a weed or call me a flower. The name does not matter. I just know I will flourish and float wherever I land, and some may not appreciate me. But like the dandelion, I have several purposes and some will see me as a flower. All it takes is the right perspective:)

A flower is a weed seen through joyful eyes.
– Jonathan Lockwood Huie

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For the Phoneography Challenge, which is hosted at Lens and Pens by Sally. Check out her macro challenge post.

View other entries for this week’s challenge:

https://sustainabilitea.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/phoneography-and-non-slr-digital-devices-photo-challenge-macro/

https://angleandviews.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/spring-close-up/

http://nadinetomlinson.com/2015/04/13/macro-phoneography-challenge-raindrops-on-leaves/

https://patchworkponderings.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/phoneography-challenge-macro-rust/

https://piecesofstarlight.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/phoneography-macro-challenge-the-roses-are-ready-for-their-close-ups/

https://completelydisappear.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/tiny-beauty/