Thread by @PO_Potatoes

So many people lack perspective and do not seek out avenues to broaden their perspective.

That is why such little things seem so insurmountable.

If your life seems tough or hard, it probably is with your limited perspective. If that's all you seek to understand, that's how it

will always be. You're blinded and held hostage to your lack of perspective.

When you find a broader perspective, especially that of others less fortunate, it may allow you to see past your pain and discomfort. It may allow you to recognize your "insurmountable issue" is

nothing more than a very minor, and very easily overcome setback.

I learned from a very snobbish girl in 8th grade that someone will always be better than me. What she didn't realize was I've taken that as a life lesson and internalized it.

Someone will always...

Be better.
Be smarter.
Be stronger.
Be more athletic.

But the inverse is true, someone will always be...

Less fortunate.
Poorer.
Missed more opportunities.
Face more obstacles.

It seems to me that many people claim to be victims of systems beyond their control. For some that might be true, at least to an extent. But many have come from a worse situation, poorer conditions they had no control over, and risen to be powerful human beings.

This all came from a tweet about making food for work versus buying, with some claiming the company should pay them to meal prep or buy them food. While others spoke of the 'Spoon Theory' and chronic illness.

Not that long ago, I'd wager 125-150 years ago, many people either put up with the pain/illness or died. The opportunities that we have today would probably lead many (from long ago) to believe we are making mountains out of mole hills.

While some disadvantages are by design, or remnants of a prior design, sulking under one's current perspective means they'll never find a way out.

Einstein famously said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."

Seek out perspective from those you feel have moved past obstacles you feel are similar. And actually listen to them.

"People navigate to comfort, but I think you're built in the discomfort." ~ Sal Frisella

Seek to be uncomfortable with your personal status quo.

Seek out the different thinking.

Seek to minimize your obstacles and issues, or at least how to navigate with the discomfort they bring.

I deal with chronic back and pinched nerve pain. Wearing 30-40 lbs of gear, sitting in a squad car where I can't recline, it causes pain.

Like daily pain. Sometimes it's just a cramp feeling or twinge, other times I can't stand up straight and can barely walk.

When I begin to feel sorry for my circumstances I stop and remember that I can at least feel pain.

I can still stand.

That I'm not sequestered to

a wheelchair, or a bed, or need someone to handle my needs and functions as a human.

Suddenly my pain doesn't seem as bad, and I utilize stretching and therapy to fix it. Sure, I could lay prostrate in bed moaning for my wife to bring me things.

But my responsibility goes beyond my here and now.

That doesn't mean I don't take time to and for myself, but my responsibilities will always take precedent over my temporary wants/needs.

Seek a broader perspective.
Seek better understanding.
Seek out mentorship and resources.

Just seek to be a better you, unencumbered and uninhibited by your problems.

Thank you for coming to my #TaterTime
#Potatosophy