The dangers of having ‘Tunnel Vision’ in life:
Sometimes in life when we feel overwhelmed by it all, we can have tunnel vision because the thing that is overwhelming us, is all we can think about & see ahead… 🚇
However, if we looked outside the tunnel we could see the bigger picture!
Helen’s Journey Photography – taken in Worcester, England UK. By the side of the river.
How ‘Tunnel Vision’ restricts your perspective in life:
Just like in this photo I snapped above; by not having tunnel vision, we also get to see the bigger picture surrounding the tunnel not just the limited views from inside the tunnel.
We are instead able to see the top of the tree above the tunnel, meaning we get to see the trees magnificence in height. When it’s a windy day we also get to see the tree tops dancing in the wind. Having tunnel vision can stop us from seeing the beauty that is all around us if we are unable to widen our vision.
Seeing the bigger picture outside of the tunnel means we get to see the sky up above. This changes our perspective as now ‘the sky’s the limit‘ not the roof of the tunnel being all you see when you look up for direction, help or some clarity!
Many situations in life can almost force us into the tunnel.
For example with chronic illness the pain, fatigue and everything else that comes along with it can push you into the tunnel. Feeling like we can’t get a break from it all, can really give us tunnel vision as it all takes over us, our bodies and our minds. And understandably so.
For others life’s worries, anxiety or hard situations can overwhelm us and become the focus. That is why I wrote the post ‘Survival Tips for when life has you feeling overwhelmed’ because at times things can really pile on top of us and take over in life. It is a serious battle we can be more prepared for to help our survival through life’s tough times as best we can.
How to break out of ‘Tunnel Vision’ to widen your perspective in life:
However, this post is just a gentle reminder to try and be conscious of life pushing you into tunnel vision. If you find yourself in a tunnel, this is a reminder to look outside of the tunnel that life has pushed you into, to break the barriers down and widen your narrowed perspective.
Even if you feel unable to actually get out of the tunnel, you can make an effort to try hard to find a sky light in the tunnel roof – at least then you will be able to see above the tunnel & see some light in the tunnels darkness!
Maybe it’s hearing the birds flying above chirping a relaxing melody, that reminds you of the joy to be had outside of tunnel’s worries.
Maybe it’s feeling the wind on your neck that reminds you to forget the strong winds pushing you down the tunnel and notice the breath of fresh air that will change your direction so you are instead blown with the same wind that makes the tree tops dance freely.
It will be different things for different people that will be able to entice us outside of the tunnel. For some their children, pets, faith, prayer, meditation.
Find whatever it is that gets you to notice the hopeful unrestricted sun rays outside of the tunnel, that shine down from up above in the unlimited sky that stretches as far as the eye can see! 😉🌳💐🕊️🌞🌈
Find the piece of the puzzle that makes you see the bigger picture… Helen x
Ps: I encourage you to read my post ‘Survival Tips for when life has you feeling overwhelmed’ (Click blog title to open in a new window to read.)
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Thanks
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This is such a brilliant post, Helen, and you’re so right. I find I can get sucked into negativity and get tunnel vision when overwhelmed, and it can be hard to keep your head above water when that happens. It takes a fresh perspective, and often more rest and a breather from the world for a little while. I love how you describe trying to “notice the hopeful unrestricted sun rays outside of the tunnel, that shine down from up above in the unlimited sky that stretches as far as the eye can see”. How wonderful that sounds! Very well written, thank you for sharing & the wonderful encouragement ♥
PS. I saw that photo and thought ‘that looks like the train bridge near where I used to park in Worcester when I’d go shopping years ago’… and it was! 🙂
Caz xx
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Hi Caz, so nice reading that quoted sentence back to myself in your comment on this grey, cold day. A reminder to still look for those hopes and joys! ❤
Ahh that's fab that the photo had such a personal memory for you too – small world! lol. I hadn't been there before but we were in Worcester visiting my nephew at Worc University, I saw the bridge as we drove past & had to listen to my creative eye and quickly snap it as we drove past. Amazing what catches the eye and the meaning it can bring with it for you… 🙂
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A really good read. I used to be like this and only seeing what I allowed my mind to see. In recent years always try to see more in a situation and explore all options.
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I have enjoyed the enlightening journey we have both been on in recent years and our vision being broadened along the way! ❤
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I really enjoyed reading this Helen and it is so easy to keep going in a survival mode,then actually living .
Look out side of your comfort zone and your environment, i have learnt so much in the last few years…then what i have all my life .Opening up to new experiences and venturing out is the key to changing your mind set .
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Hi Giano, so glad you enjoyed reading this post. I totally agree, survival mode takes over to get us through the hardest of times but we don’t always remember to switch that mode off once we are through the worst of the storm. Helen xx
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Thank you for this great reminder!
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You are most very welcome #sharingiscaring
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Trying to keep things in perspective can be such a challenge. Thank you for the gentle reminder to look up. A fibro flare is trying to swallow me whole.
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A challenge indeed & so understandable esp at times of flare ups etc. But I hope you can still see the sun rays of hope above the tunnel.
FYI: I have a Fibromyalgia Awareness & Chronic Illness Support Group on Facebook you are very welcome to join: http://www.facebook.com/groups/HellsFibromyalgia/ 💜
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