Perspective

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." Marcus Aurelius

I had a wonderful lesson in perspective yesterday that was precipitated by a Facebook post. In this post an individual was sharing how important and wonderful a certain Being was in their life. From their perspective this Being was a loving, kind soul who could do no wrong.

My perspective of this same Being is a different one. From my perspective this Being was one who chose to behave in ways that, for a time, resulted in my living in pain, shame and fear.

Two very different perspectives. Two very different truths. Each one valid.

There was a time when reading a post of how wonderful this Being was would have caused a visceral reaction in me. I would have felt ill and would have been transported to a very challenging period of my life. There would have been flashbacks and, when I finally did sleep, nightmares would have caused me to wake up screaming. It would have taken me days to feel safe again.

But that didn't happen yesterday. Because I am looking at my past from a different perspective. From one where I'm safe, loved and treasured. One where I know the toughest experiences I had shaped me into who I am today. One where I can appreciate the lessons I was taught... even if the method of teaching was questionable.

I try to see most events and interactions now from the perspective of Love. Things just seem clearer from that perspective.