PERSPECTIVE

We all see the world through our own perspectives, shaped by our unique life experiences. These perspectives evolve as we grow and encounter new situations, much like a lens on a camera that allows us to adjust our focus. The ability to explore different viewpoints is not just enlightening but also essential for personal growth.

When we’re young, many things—rules, choices, or the complexities of life—don’t fully make sense. But as we age and navigate new stages, our perspectives shift, enabling us to empathize and understand things we once found puzzling. This process of looking at life through different lenses broadens our understanding and helps us see the bigger picture.

Taking on someone else’s perspective—even briefly—can transform the way we view the world. Whether we imagine life through the eyes of someone with a different career, culture, gender, or even species, it often reshapes what we consider important. Suddenly, the challenges we face in our daily lives might seem smaller, while the experiences or struggles of others take on greater meaning.

I’ve heard parents say, “You won’t truly understand until you have kids.” While I used to nod politely, I’ve come to realize they were right—it’s hard to grasp their perspective without stepping into their shoes. This principle applies to every perspective we’re unfamiliar with: understanding requires us to actively shift our view.

The way we choose to frame our life experiences carries incredible power. We can approach life with positivity or negativity, with open-mindedness or resistance, with selfishness or selflessness. From my perspective, these choices either expand our world or limit it.

This is one of the reasons I’ve always loved photography. Photography allows us to choose how we frame our world, capturing the beauty, complexity, or simplicity in any moment. I have a particular affinity for macro photography, which magnifies the smallest details—things we often overlook in our rush through daily life. When I photograph the world from the perspective of a flower, a dog, or even an ant, I consistently find beauty in unexpected places. This practice reminds me to slow down, savor life’s subtle wonders, and truly “stop and smell the roses.”

This week, I encourage you to embrace a new perspective. Try something unfamiliar: watch a documentary, read a book outside your usual genre, have a conversation with someone whose life differs from yours, or simply take a walk with fresh eyes. Challenge yourself to reframe your experiences—you might just uncover a whole new way of seeing the world.