The Power of Perspective

Eights overnights in the last few weeks

More than 15,000 miles traveled

Jet lag because of being in several different time zones

Extreme weather variances from sweltering 90+ degrees to windshield ice

A stomach virus the night before a presentation

Getting soaked in a torrential rainstorm before boarding for a long flight

Poor me, right? Wrong.

Admittedly I initially had to fight the “why me” syndrome. But a little perspective reminded me of how good life is for me particularly when I compare myself to those who have lost a lot more recently.

I have a home that didn’t receive any storm damage. None of my travel was affected or even delayed by the extreme weather. I am healthy and active. I really love the opportunities to educate leaders through my speaking.

But in light of the recent storms in this country, I am encouraged by the creativity and resourcefulness of those who lack the comforts they usually enjoy. It gives me hope when I see the efforts being made to help the hurricane victims with meeting their basic needs:

· A friend is collecting pillows, sleeping bags, and books that she will deliver to children in Western North Carolina where her family continues to live without electricity and water.

· A teenager in our neighborhood who solicited donations from her neighbors and then collected and filled a carload full of water to be delivered to storm victims.

· College students I know who are spending their fall break to assist with cleanup efforts in the areas hardest hit.

· A young pregnant woman with three kids preparing 3 meals a day for relief workers and not charging anyone for those meals.

· People posting inspiring stories of the efforts made by their organizations to help with supplies and donations.

Maybe like me, you’ve had a few minor setbacks recently. Maybe you have even asked the question “why me?. Maybe a better question right now would be “why not me” or “how can I help?”

Whether it’s offering to help co-workers rethink a challenging situation or supporting victims of natural disasters, a little perspective might prove to be valuable right now.

I would love to hear more inspiring stories of how others are lended a helping hand! Please post in the comments!