Perspective is the way we see and interpret the world around us. It shapes our thoughts, emotions, and interactions—often without us even realizing it. Perspective can shift based on experiences, emotions, or even the smallest changes in our environment. It’s a powerful force that influences our relationships, personal growth, and how we navigate everyday life.

Having anxiety and depression, I’ve learned to use perspective to my advantage. When my thoughts begin to spiral—convincing me that I’ve said the wrong thing, that people are judging me, or that I’m somehow not enough—I remind myself to step outside my own head. I try to see the situation from a broader point of view. More often than not, I realize something freeing: no one is paying attention to me in the way my anxiety insists they are.

It’s easy to feel like the world is watching, analyzing every misstep and awkward moment. But the truth is, most people are too caught up in their own lives to notice the things I fixate on. This realization has been a lifeline—helping me ground myself when my thoughts threaten to overwhelm me.

Perspective in Career & Growth

If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would ever be coaching gymnastics, I would have laughed—and then probably fainted at the thought. My mom has been a gymnastics coach for most of my life (and still is to this day). She’s the goofy, energetic coach that all the kids adore—the one who can make anyone laugh. Meanwhile, I was the shy, introverted kid who broke out in hives just thinking about public speaking. My perspective on coaching was completely skewed because I thought I had to be just like her. And since I wasn’t, I assumed I could never do it.

But over time, I’ve learned that coaching doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. I’ve found my own way of connecting with the kids, running a structured class, and building confidence as an instructor. As I’ve become more comfortable in my role—especially after having my son—I’ve noticed myself adopting some of my mom’s methods. I used to think I had to be different from her, but now I see that some of those goofy, engaging tactics actually work.

Was I terrified when I started coaching? Absolutely. At the time, I was in a job that was hurting my mental health, and I needed a way to work fewer hours. (I eventually quit altogether.) Once I settled into coaching, I realized something: the more confident, direct, and fun I was, the better the experience became for everyone—kids, parents, and even myself. If I had stayed stuck in my old mindset of “I’m too shy for this,” I would never have discovered that I could grow into this role.

Perspective in Parenting

Of course, perspectives change after having a child. There are so many small things you don’t think about before becoming a parent—period. You can hear people talk about it, try to prepare, but until you’re actually in it, you won’t truly get it.

Before having my son, I had my own ideas about parenting—what I would and wouldn’t do, what I thought was important, and what seemed over the top. But now? I completely understand why parents do things I used to roll my eyes at. I get why some let their kids watch a little extra TV just to drink a cup of coffee in peace. I get why some carry snacks like their life depends on it. I get why the bedtime routine feels like the most exhausting part of the day.

More than that, I’ve realized how much perspective plays a role in parenting. When I feel frustrated or overwhelmed, I remind myself to step back and see things from my son’s point of view. He’s still learning, still figuring out the world. What seems like a simple task to me might feel impossible to him. What seems like a minor disappointment to me might feel huge to him.

And then there’s the flip side—how his perspective has changed mine. Watching him experience the world for the first time has made me slow down, appreciate the little things, and see the magic in the moments I once took for granted. The way he gets excited over things I might have overlooked, the way he finds joy in the simplest things—it’s a constant reminder that perspective isn’t just about shifting my own thoughts, but about seeing the world through his eyes too.

Perspective in Relationships

Parenting doesn’t just change how you see the world—it changes how you see your relationship, too. Before having my son, I had a certain perspective on what it meant to be a good partner. I thought love was shown through big gestures, quality time, and deep conversations. While those things are still important, I’ve learned that love and partnership take on new forms when you become parents.

Perspective has helped me see that relationships aren’t always about what’s fair or equal in a traditional sense. Sometimes, it’s about understanding that both people are carrying different weights at different times. It’s about shifting my expectations, giving grace where it’s needed, and realizing that just because things don’t look the way I thought they would doesn’t mean they’re wrong.

Having my son has also changed how I view my role in a relationship. I’ve become more aware of how I show up, how I communicate, and how my own perspective influences my reactions. There are moments when I have to step back and ask myself, Am I seeing this clearly, or am I filtering it through exhaustion, stress, or past expectations? That small shift in perspective has helped me navigate challenges in a way that feels more grounded and less reactive.

The Power of Perspective

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that perspective is everything. It shapes how we experience the world, how we handle challenges, and how we connect with the people around us. Learning to shift my perspective—whether in my mental health, career, parenting, or relationships—has helped me grow in ways I never expected.

At one point, I thought my anxiety controlled me. I thought I wasn’t capable of coaching. I thought parenting had to look a certain way. I thought love had to fit into a specific mold. But perspective has shown me that things aren’t always as they seem in the moment. That fear isn’t always reality. That growth happens when I let go of rigid expectations and allow myself to see things differently.

Perspective isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about choosing how to interpret it. And that small shift can make all the difference.