If I change the way I look at things...

When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.

~ Viktor E. Frankl

By reframing the challenges that arise in my life as opportunities to learn, unlearn and re-learn, I am able to remain calm and make a difference in whatever way I can.

We cannot change the fact that my mother and my husband's mother, who are ill, now need support from their children. We are grateful to have siblings who are all doing their part.

Much as I prefer to be there in person, that is not always possible. Fortunately, I can still contribute from afar.

Currently, I am tracking health care in three different hospital network patient portals. I am grateful to receive notifications about all upcoming appointments and to have access to daily assessments of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate) and bloodwork. By sharing the information I access, I can help coordinate care and make more informed decisions.

Sometimes the recommendations suggested by health professionals make no sense to me, given what I see. Although I am inclined to question their prescriptions, I remain humble, recognizing I have much to learn. I seek the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; muster the courage to change the things I can; and aspire to find the wisdom to know the difference—as taught in the Serenity Prayer.

Closing thought

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

~ Wayne Dyer

I am fully aware that our perspective shapes our experience. When I shift how I interpret situations—whether it’s stress, failure, or even other people’s behaviour—I end up feeling and reacting differently, even if nothing external actually changed.