I recently took a trip to my home country Germany to re-connect with my roots, spend time with old friends, and eat lots of delicious cake 😉

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do because it’s not only a novel and exciting experience but also widens our horizons and changes our perspective.

Most people travel for the same reasons: to eat exotic and delicious foods, look at cool architecture, relax at a beach or in the mountains, and do exhilarating things like zipline through a waterfall in the rainforest. Another reason I like to travel is to gain new perspectives from people who grew up in a different culture.

My husband might think (no, he definitely thinks😆) it’s annoying that l talk to random strangers on vacation but I love short conversations with people I’ve never met before. If we pay attention to these brief interactions, they can teach us something about life and ourselves.

Different perspectives, from strangers or friends, can provide us with a better understanding of the complexity of life.

“All it takes is a tiny shift of perspective to see something familiar in a totally new light.”       (Dan Brown)

 

What can we gain from paying attention to different perspectives?

• It opens new possibilities.

 When we feel stressed out or confronted with a new problem we often focus on one perspective because it takes less mental energy. If our brain is on autopilot mode we fail to notice different perspectives, which can lead us to solutions and open new possibilities.

•  It makes you aware of your thoughts and actions.

All day long we are bombarded with thoughts and emotions. We often pay too much attention to them or ignore them altogether. Shifting our perspective can make us more aware of our negative and old thinking patterns.

• It reduces judgmental thinking and fosters empathy.

I must admit that I used to be quite judgmental, which doesn’t require as much effort as taking the time to develop understanding and empathy.

Empathy is about shifting your perspective from your beliefs and opinions to the other person’s hardships, cultural upbringing, and socioeconomic status.

• It creates deeper connections.

Meaningful connections are essential to our mental well-being. I never liked shallow relationships because they left me feeling empty. Listening to other peoples’ perspectives, getting to know them on a deeper level, and reflecting on the conversation can create more meaningful friendships.

“Meaningful connection is formed when we bravely share our truth.”  (Author unknown)

• It can provide us with hope and comfort.

Hope is an anchor that keeps us from sinking when life becomes overwhelming. Adopting a new perspective is a great way to generate hope and provide us with comfort during dark times. Life is like a kaleidoscope; every time you rotate the instrument you see a new picture. When you change the angle of how you look at things new solutions will crystallize.

•  It can spark creative and innovative thinking.

Even creative people need a little inspiration to produce their Masterpieces. My brother Leon and I are very good at bouncing ideas back and forth in the hopes we will find an idea that will make us Millionaires….well, so far no luck 😉

Other people's perspectives can inspire you to think outside the box or find your passion project.

“The best ideas emerge when very different perspectives meet.”    (Frans Johansson)

• It helps us develop more resilience.

How do we overcome hardship and new challenges? With resilience, which is an important ability that keeps us from collapsing under the pressure of life. People who are highly adaptable to life’s constant challenges are more successful, more positive, and happier. Adapting a flexible and open-minded perspective can help you weather the storm.

• It widens our horizons.

“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how various parts and principles apply and relate to each other.”   (Stephen Covey)

Before becoming a world traveler, I grew up in a small town providing little mental stimulation and opportunities. I always wanted to spread my wings and discover what’s past the horizon. Unfortunately, time and finances don’t always allow us to travel as much as we would like to, but we can still get mental stimulation through learning and exploring new perspectives.

•    We learn new things about ourselves.

Sometimes, it can be scary to learn new things about ourselves because it can uncover hidden desires or make us aware of our weaknesses. We spend a lot of time trying to get to know our friends/spouse/partner, but we fail to discover who we are, what we desire from life, and what can bring us joy and happiness.

We can change our perspective in many ways, such as:

·      Meditation

·      Journaling

·      Reading an inspirational book.

·      Talking to a therapist or friend.

·      Talking to a stranger on a park bench or train.

·      Joining a discussion or support group.

·      Practicing yoga or tai chi.

·      Traveling

·      Listening to a podcast.

·      Self-reflection

·      Immersing yourself in a new culture.

 

I hope by reading this blog post you opened your perspective in a way that inspired you to discover more about life and yourself.