Perspective is everything.
We bump into this reality time and time again in communication with others: at work, at home, at school, in the community…
As soon as we have more than one person in any situation, perspective is going to be a necessary component to consider.
If we want to communicate well.
But often, we don’t consider perspective.
Because we assume everyone thinks like we do.
Has had the same experience.
That we know the answer.
Or that the answer is moot.
And so we miss details and context, or miss the opportunity to ask questions that can help us understand.
Or we simply miss opportunities to expand our awareness.

Chicken and chicks walking
Image credit: focusonpc on pixabay.com
So, why did the chicken cross the road?
For some, this is nothing more than a childish joke.
The answer being “to get to the other side’
And that’s what that question used to be for me.
Now, however, as I weave through neighbourhoods on my way to pick up my daughter from school, and I’m late, and another chicken is running across the street, it’s a real question I ask in real time (usually accompanied by an expletive).
And on the very rare occasion when I see the remnants of a chicken who was not successful, that same question could be a lament on the part of their owner.
My new reality also makes me wonder (for the first time) not only about the chicken, but about who created the joke – and why. Perspective, you see, can change – or expand – with experience.
Perspective is everything.
If we can make time and space to consider perspectives – ours and others’- as we navigate our environments, relationships and conversations, we will become richer for it.
Richer in awareness, in understanding, and in consideration.
Richer, perhaps, in our ability to exercise compassion.
All of which help to create more inclusive and equitable environments.
Notice more.
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