Your Perspective is Your Choice

A wise man once said "the grass is greener where you water it." Not the quote you are used to, right? You may be used to the saying "the grass is always greener on the other side." However, I have come to understand that this is not the truth. Typically, if a person is not happy with what they have, chances are they are not going to be happy with the "other side" either. If you are unable to appreciate any grass, so to speak, what does it matter which side you are on?

All of this is to point out that so much of happiness in life is about perspective and choice. I have said it before, life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it. In that 90 percent you have the opportunity to decide what you would like to do with the cards you have been dealt, whether positive, negative or anywhere in between. When you understand that you have the power to choose how you respond to a challenging situation your perspective shifts and you empower yourself to take more control over your life.

Some of you might be aware that I recently made a big move to Italy to live and work on a farm. There were many questions as to why myself and my husband, both of sound mind and overall good judgment, would do such a thing. "What about money?", "What will you do with your apartment?", "What about your jobs?", and just "Why...?" were the most frequently asked ones. It likely confused or infuriated people when we shrugged and told them we are doing this because we want to and that everything will work out. Knowing that this would make us happy, we decided to travel and "water the grass" along the way.

The long answer to why we made this decision is to experience a different lifestyle, learn to live more simply, immerse ourselves in a culture we have grown to love, and eat endless amounts of pasta. The short answer is: we wanted a change in perspective.

For now, my new normal is working with my hands, taking a rest in the afternoon, communicating in a language I do not know yet, and learning how to embrace the slow pace of farm living. In choosing this shift in perspective, I am embracing change, accepting challenges, and taking in every new experience along the way. I will continue to relay my experiences from the farm and share the lessons I am learning with you all. The first of which is: learn to water your own grass. Appreciate the small things that make you feel fulfilled, happy, and at peace with life. If you are able to that, it does not matter where the grass is, it will always be green.