A CHANGED PERSPECTIVE: Forging a New Outlook on Our World

Over the last few dark months, I have oftentimes thought about the Monty Python routine "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”  

 

It has always seemed like good advice, albeit a bit of irreverent "tongue in cheekery" from the British comedy troupe; I appreciate the jaunty lyrics together with the whistling accompaniment:

 

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best
And
Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life.

 

I appreciate this message; it resonates with me. 

 

This is a refrain I've heard a lot over the years put forward by a parade of motivational speakers at DSA and company meetings that have given us wisdom about running a business with enthusiasm and excitement.

They all have their places, and each has delivered lessons that resonate with our individual and collective consciousness, whether that message lasts for only a few moments or several hours, or even weeks and months.

 

DSA speakers not only have changed my perspective but also have moved me in resonant ways.  These individuals have given me life-changing lessons and changed how I perceive the world. 

 

Poets, big-time mayors, victorious war generals, mountain climbers, and astronauts have graced the DSA main stage. We've had television financial gurus, outside corporate turnaround experts, Nobel Prize winners, Speakers of the House, and leaders of powerful nations. We've had comedians, television talk show hosts, would-be Presidents, and has-been Presidents. We've had futurists and historians, jugglers and guitarists, movie stars, and economists. 

 

Anyone who has followed me knows that I have never highlighted or promoted any one speaker. It would be hard to choose just one who stood out.

 

But occasionally, someone comes along who conveys a genuine passion for life in a way that uplifts the audience, in person or virtually. You may have watched Dewitt Jones during DSA's Engage webinar series in June. 

 

Dewitt is a renowned National Geographic photographer, so he doesn't fit the ordinary speaker mold. When we first thought about asking Dewitt to speak at a DSA event some years ago, I did not see how a photographer could convey ideas that would unify DSA members and resonate with our collective world experience. 

 

Boy, was I proven wrong. 

 

So when Dewitt Jones offered to join us again, virtually, in June, I was genuinely excited. He didn't disappoint: he gave me a perspective that helped me see my experiences today in a new way.

 

You see, Dewitt's message of celebrating what's right with the world, using his masterful photography and stories of global travels to capture the perfect image, resonates right now.
 

And the use of strong visual imagery is particularly suited to our current virtual ways of interacting. 

 

Here's a sample of Dewitt's beautiful photography and his presentation.

 

Amidst a seeming avalanche of disturbing images that come across our news feeds and tv screens, it's easy to forget there are so many beautiful images that pass before us every day – a crashing Hawaiian wave, a dandelion blowing in the wind, a little boy dancing in a fountain – so many things that we can celebrate that are right with the world.

 

I encourage you to take a look at the bright side of life with Dewitt Jones when you get a chance. Afterward, you might just whistle a bit and sing a Monty Python tune.