When Googling “perspective,” one is confronted with the following explanations:

1) a picture drawn in perspective, esp. one appearing to enlarge or extend the actual space, or to give the effect of distance.

2) a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.

After my boyfriend took this photo yesterday, all I could think of was “perspective” in both of the above contexts.

I moved into my apartment six months ago.  Half a year living within its walls has made me wiser, quicker, more-skilled, a better-conversationalist, and perhaps even a bit stronger.  These walls have seen me bang out marketing strategies, cross days off of marathon training plans, master a myriad of simple pasta recipes, learn to eloquently explain my role as a fellow, and endure an increasing number of push ups each week since 2014 began (I’m up to seven — notice I only said a BIT stronger.)

Since moving to Detroit I have seen businesses come  and go.  I’m watching my apartment complex gentrify before my eyes.  I’ve seen new politicians come into office , the conversion of green spaces to state parks , the filming of movies, and a seemingly invincible layer of snow covering it all.

This is where perspective comes in.

Throughout the course of the past six months, I have witnessed changes within myself and my city.  Looking back, however, we both have intrinsic attributes sewn within our very cores that decide what these changes will mean.

Grit is the only word I can think of.  Detroit and I are both tough.  We both want to work hard.

Detroit has seen and survived riots, tanked economies, racial indignities, corrupt governments, and an unfortunate desertion.  Detroit is ready to thrive.  You can look at the photo on this page and see abandoned buildings and empty spaces.  You can think the worst, and assume you are viewing a city in decline.

Or, you can change your perspective.  You can focus on the good.  Look at all of those functioning street lights.  Look at the traffic bringing warm bodies into the city limits.  Look at the limitless potential of those empty buildings; people can transform them into anything they can think of.  Those buildings can embody dreamers’ dreams.  You are viewing a city on an upswing.

In my own life, I must remember perspective.  I must focus on the good.  I have functioning, strong legs to carry me through as many miles as I ask them to.  I have a car to bring me just past the city limits to see my family, and then right back within them to continue to live my life and each day, little by little, to revitalize my city.  Around me I have so many empty buildings full of potential, just waiting to house my dreams.

It is all about perspective.