The last few days I've felt a bit down, for no particular reason that I could determine. Maybe it's the sinus cold I'm battling, or maybe the downturn in the recent temperature. Whatever the reason, I just hadn't been feeling that optomistic, and I don't like getting into that funk.
Things started to take an uptick yesterday afternoon as I was getting ready to leave work. One of my co-workers made a comment that the sunset was really beautiful last night. As the days have gotten shorter, the sunset begins before I get out of the office. There is a window behind my desk, and I look out that window several times a day. Last night, I glanced out the window, and I was inspired! The sunset truly was beautiful, with shades of deep pink, orange and even some blue. Between the office and the sunset stands a grove of trees, and the contrast of the dark branches and the colorful sunset was really breathtaking.
As some of you may know, I like to crochet. My grandma patiently taught me how to crochet, and I've been doing so for several years. I've recently began picking it up again as I'm feeling creative and it's a good winter project. Looking at the sunset, I was inspired to search out these colors to make something with them. I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to make quite yet, but I'm excited about the prospect. And all of this because I looked out a window I walk by every day.
So this event got the ball rolling for me, and then today happened. I was first inspired at our monthly staff meeting. Our company has a president who doesn't live in Des Moines, so he only gets back to visit every month or so. When he is in town he likes to stop by and visit. Today he was in town for our meeting, and he got up to talk about life and his take on things. Our president has shared in the past stories about his grandson. His grandson is autistic and isn't able to speak or communicate in a traditional way. They have made progress with him in the past few years, but at almost 12 he's still had to carry around a large book full of symbols in order to communicate his needs, etc.
Today our president shared an update on his grandson. A few months ago they purchased an I-pad for him, and for hundreds of hours his daughter programed symbols into the I-pad to help her son communicate. Our president shared that his grandson has been able to manuver the I-pad, and in a way it's really helped him to communicate faster. Our president was sharing that recently, he was at his daughter's having dinner with his grandson. Our president was talking with his daughter, and he made a comment that he might take his grandson to the car wash, as that's one of the activities he enjoys. They continued on with their conversation, when a few minutes later they heard a computerized voice come from the I-pad. "I'd like to go to the car wash, please." To think that in just a few months, an autistic boy who couldn't find a way to communicate without carrying around a heavy book full of symbols has found a breakthrough with the help of technology.
This really got me to thinking about what we take for granted and how grateful we really should be for what we have. How a little change in perspective can really change your whole outlook. My mood has been improving throughout the day after hearing this story. I realize that while things may get me down from time to time, there's always something to keep you in the right mindset and to motivate. It's amazing what a little change of perspective can do for your spirit!
As if that wasn't enough, this afternoon I received an e-mail from one of my favorite people in the world, my friend Kim Welch. Kim and I have been friends since we began college together fourteen years ago (crazy to believe it's been that many years!) and she has one of the brightest spirits of anyone I know. Kim is married to my favorite roommate of all time, Chris Welch. Chris and Kim make an amazing, dynamic duo of awesomeness and I'm so blessed to list them among my friends.
Not only are the Welch's great friends of mine, but they are also great parents. Chris and Kim have twins, Ezra and Ella. Ezra and Ella were born prematurely, but that hasn't stopped them in the slightest. Not only are they surviving, but they are thriving! I adore both of them and am always amazed to hear of their latest adventures.
Which brings me to the e-mail I received today. Kim had sent me an e-mail talking about picking up the kids from preschool, and seeing their latest art projects. This week the kids had made reindeer to hang on the wall. Kim sent the following picture along with her e-mail.
I was blown away by this story! I couldn't stop smiling, and I was reminded of how sometimes kids are the best example of what a small change in perspective can do. I'm so grateful to know I have these reminders in life. If you're ever feeling out of sorts or lost for a purpose, spend some time with a child. I guarantee you will receive some perspective on life and you'll have some fun too.
I hope this post gives you the small dose of perspective you may have needed today. Be inspired, create something amazing, or just do something good for someone else. Take the first step towards something great. And always remember that you always have something to be thankful for.
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