“Here was a man who refused to be a victim, to ever see life in any other way than as a gift, a marvelous occasion.” Buck O’Neal was the first African American coach in the Major Leagues … who didn’t let … a lifetime of slights prevent him from marveling at the small joys of life every day. (Quotes about Buck O’Neal, from Tony Dungy’s devotional “Uncommon Life Daily Challenge”)

Understanding that life will, invariably, toss you curve balls is just such a fundamental aspect. Yet we seem to always be caught unaware and only a healthy perspective and outlook will see you though.

I have known people who just have what my dad called a “sour disposition on life” and have watched it eat away at not only their resolve but their health. I am a firm believer that we (through our attitudes and outlook) shape our health every bit as much as our genetics and lifestyle choices. Our “disposition” has an effect upon how we are perceived as well. If I allow something to adversely affect how I am feeling those emotions play out vividly upon my face and bearing.

Over the years I have not had as much control over my mental state as I would like. This has resulted in people perceiving me as angry or intimidating. I have what has been coined as “resting bitch face.” Sorry for the use of that phrase, but it is quite apropos. If you don’t know me and I am in a solemn state I can have a very imposing glare. I must admit that I have used this to my advantage in some circumstances, both personal and business. However, I always feel bad when I do.

My son was cursed with this same look. He often gets asked if he is mad when he is just in a resting state. The interesting thing with us both is that as soon as we smile our entire countenance changes. Both our perspective and others perceptions change in an instant. Thus, this is something I have tried to be very cognizant of in my later years. Managing perspective can be as much about perceptions as perspective. How we are perceived can have a major impact upon others perspective as it relates to who we are. Regardless of whether that perspective and perception is correct. Perception is reality.

I have said before that “life is an adventure worth living”, and no adventure comes without some difficult or cloudy days.

As a motorcyclist, the one tenant that must be taken into account with any ride is that anything can and will happen. Not only from the condition of the roads, to weather, to the condition of the people around you that must be carefully considered every moment of a ride. Let your attention slip and thing go wrong very quickly.

You learn that keeping your perspective while riding comes from two key elements;

• Outlook
• Preparation

Outlook, as Buck noted above is a choice that we must make at every moment of our lives. We can choose to be the victim and allow what life throws at us to be a continual assault. Or, we can choose to view life as “a marvelous occasion.” When viewed from this standpoint our perspective on everything that comes our way changes drastically.

It’s easy for my outlook to be sunny when I am on the back of a bike. The wind in what little hair I have, the sun on my face, and the open road ahead; what’s not to like about that!? I mean really!

However, on a long ride those sunny days can grow cloudy and cold.

Preparation takes into consideration weather changes, possible road conditions that may lead to a flat, how much gas or other essentials we carry and what we plan to use for shelter. This is true in every aspect of life, be it on the bike or just making it through each day. Each of these things or the lack there of, will greatly affect our perspective at any given moment. A lack of preparation can mean that you end up riding cold and wet, and that is miserable!

It is quite easy to slip into a state of mind (whether from actual cold and wet of riding, or the cold and wet blanket the world can toss over you) and once there you have to claw your way back out.

This is where some spiral down into depression. I know how easy that is and how it slips up on you, I have been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Depression is a state of mind that can be debilitating. My mother suffered from it and I have and would still if I had not sought help. Which often times is the hardest thing for people to do.

Now, by preparing myself for what might lie ahead I can monitor my outlook and manage my perspective. If I start to sense myself slipping I have two elements to combat a poor perspective I would like to leave you with;

Pray – I get that you may not be a spiritual person, but take a moment and just voice your concern to the universe. If you are a spiritual person, then let it all out to God. Allow Him space to work. Too often we never leave enough room for God to act in our behalf.

Call a Friend – I cannot voice this enough. My friends and family help get me through the tough times. They are strong when I am weak and they can help me put things into perspective when I simply don’t have the energy to do it myself.

So that I may … “ever see life in any other way than as a gift, a marvelous occasion.”