A Warm Invitation to Pause, Reset, and See the World Anew

by Angie Petrie

Have you ever noticed how a simple shift in perspective can transform a dull moment into a dazzling one, or open up a whole new path where before there seemed to be only a dead end? Perspective isn't just a way of seeing, it's a way of being. It shapes our imagination, fuels our creativity, and gently nudges us towards change, even when we feel rooted in place.

When We Get Stuck: The Limits of Fixed Thinking

 We all find ourselves stuck from time to time, caught in a loop of familiar thoughts and beliefs. This “stuckness” can quietly hinder our creativity, making the world feel smaller and full of closed doors. When our minds cling to the well-trodden paths, we miss out on the wonder and possibility that lie just beyond our usual view. 

• Fixed thinking narrows our outlook, making it harder to see new solutions or imagine different possibilities.
• It can stifle inspiration, leaving us feeling uninspired or boxed in.

Pausing and Resetting: Looking Up at the Trees

 Sometimes, the simplest way to shift our perspective is to pause and look up, quite literally. Imagine standing beneath a canopy of trees, sunlight dappling through the leaves, branches stretching into the sky. In that moment, looking up invites us to breathe, to pause, and to reset. This is my morning routine, if you’ve ever joined me on my Facebook page in the morning, I look up and notice the canopy of the branches in the garden.

• When life feels overwhelming, look up at the trees. Let them remind you that there’s always a broader view waiting, just above your line of sight.
• This gentle pause offers your mind room to wander and your heart a fresh sense of possibility.
• Looking up reminds me of my faith and the beautiful song by Lauren Daigle ‘look up child’   Lauren Daigle - Look Up Child (Audio)
• No trees, then look at nature closely, bend down to see the tiny prickles on a rose stem, or the fluffy edges of a nettle. Whether it's up on down it's a new perspective

I am lucky enough to have a husband who is a foot taller than me, helpful for all those high up jobs. I was standing on a stool in the kitchen to reach something one day, it dawned on me, he saw everything from this angle, that's why he never saw some of the spills on the level I saw from. We don't, well we can't all see things from the same perspective.

Broadening Horizons: Engaging with New Perspectives

 Another powerful way to shake off the cobwebs of old thinking is to talk to people outside our usual circles. It’s amazing how a fresh conversation can open our minds or cement our own opinion. The difficulty in doing this stems from listening to learn rather than listening to judge or condemn. We must be open to new perspectives to see them. 

• Seek out conversations with those whose lives or viewpoints are different from your own.
• Listening to new stories helps us imagine worlds we may never have considered before.
• It’s in these exchanges that we often find the spark of creativity returning, as if someone has opened a window in a stuffy room.
• It also builds compassion, many of the stories we hear will tell us more about a persons life experiences. 

Inviting Change: When Staying the Same Becomes Harder

 Change can be daunting, we all know that. But sometimes, staying where we are becomes more uncomfortable than the idea of moving forward. I remember a quote like this from my training 'true change only happens when the pain of remaining the same outweighs the fear of stepping into the unknown and actioning change'. 

• Recognising when we’re ready for change is a profound act of self-care.
• Shifting our perspective is often the first brave step on the journey to growth.

Conclusion: Dare to See the World Differently

Every day offers an invitation to explore new perspectives—whether it’s through a quiet moment beneath the trees, the view from a ladder, a surprising conversation, or the courage to let go of old patterns. By pausing, looking up, and reaching out, we unlock creativity, welcome possibility, and gently embrace the beautiful, sometimes messy, changes that help us grow. Why not take a moment today to see your world from a new angle?