Why do big things sometimes appear little? Like the views from my rooftop. Often, I contemplate if I’m just looking at the city or something bigger. I can see LA – Westwood that is. Apartment buildings, hospitals, a neon sign for the movie theatre, two cranes, and commercial buildings designed for businesses of which I know nothing about. But behind the towers I can see the city. Ladera? Culver? It’s definitely near LAX because I can see planes ascending not too far. Such huge things, but they seem like they can sit in the palm of my hand from where I’m standing. So, I thought to myself – why do these big buildings, large objects, and big cities look so small? I know if I walk down to the street, then they would tower over me and I would no longer feel that these things were small, but massive. I realize that the obvious reason for this optical illusion is because the further away you are from something, the smaller it appears. However, I can’t help but relate this concept to our lives. The same size-misperception happens with some of our problems, which may or may not be a good thing.
Mindsets are formed from perception. Standing on my rooftop created the perception that I was taller and had more control over things that I really had no chance of controlling, especially in the moment. In contrast, me standing next to a towering building would only reveal how subject I am to such a massive structure. Ultimately, these two perceptions have influence on how I see myself in relation to the objects in front of me. The same goes for our perceptions of the problems we face. Do you see your problems as something that you have dominion over or something that towers over you? Your answer to this question can inform a lot about the way you approach problem solving.
There are times when you may find yourself in a bad situation, but as a coping mechanism you block it out, you shy away from confrontation, you fold. These reactions normalize and perpetuate the problems instead of addressing them and allowing proper problem solving and healing. This happens a lot when you see your problems towering over you. Life problems need not be normalized – even if we do all have them. In other words, don’t become so familiar with your problems that you expect them to always be around to weigh you down and make you feel small. You are big, you are great, you are awesome. Expect more from life and more from yourself.
The image you accept is your reality. You can be a small person with big problems. Or a person towering over your city and your problems. It’s your perception on the world that will make it small. Yes, your problems are big, but that doesn’t mean they can defeat you. Know your feelings and emotions are valid, but don’t let it be the end of your world – there’s more to this life than the problems we go through. Create the world you want by changing your perspective – don’t just stand next to the building and sulk in your poor self-image, soar above it with your head held high.
