Perspective

Sometimes, I just have to sit back and look at my life in perspective.

Will you really remember that you failed that test in 10 years?
Will the massive amount of Pchem homework your favorite professor gave you over thanksgiving break really screw up your whole life?
Is the fact that you can't run for a few weeks in order to let your ankle heal going to cause the apocalypse?

I have always been the number one champion when it comes to stressing myself out over every little thing. I am so goal-oriented, that every time something throws a wrench in the plans, I have a meltdown. But really, what is the big picture? Will these little setbacks really affect the rest of my life? I tend to forget what I do have.

I have love.

Topsail Island. Summer, 2010.

A lot of people wait a lifetime simply for that.

I have my health. 

I have never been seriously injured, and I'm not terminally ill. I can do things that I love like bike and swim and run.

I have a job to fall back on over winter break and a warm (although messy) bed to sleep in at night.

A lot of people don't have either of those.

I have my puppy, Flynn. And really, how can life be incomplete when there's a puppy involved?  

This was back when he was small and adorable. Chewing on
his cute chew toys later turned into eating mommy's shoes,
underwear, and favorite running shirts.

Maybe my wardrobe would be more complete without a puppy, but I love him all the same.

I have a lot to be thankful for, and I guess it is good to have those moments of realization from time to time, even if the cause of that realization is a bad circumstance. Surprisingly enough, this realization and attempt at an attitude change came about just in time for Thanksgiving.

Has anything happened in your life to change your perspective?