You’ve heard the expression “It’s as plain as the nose on your face” (intended as a clever way to say something is plenty obvious), but it’s an expression I find curious — maybe because of its sheer brilliance in unassumingly and unintentionally holding so much truth.

Sometimes things which should be the most obvious can often be the most difficult to see.

Another person’s nose may be blatant, but the curious part is that your own nose is something you’ll never see without the aid of a mirror.

Isn’t perspective a funny thing — a structure only as stable as our own perceptions?

French journalist, Alphonse Karr once wrote, “Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.” His adage is one that’s as old as time. Do you see the glass as half empty or half full? At the top of the molehill, you often realize it’s not a mountain at all.

Throughout our lives we meet all sorts of people with different points of view from different walks of life, some are interesting, some are strange, some make us feel better about ourselves, and others encourage us to simply be better.

We all have our own unique way of seeing this world and that worldview plays a key role in how we develop our friendships and relationships. Some people will try to sway us in our opinions and others will love us despite the nuances in our behaviors, beliefs, and overall delivery of ourselves.

Cherish those that connect with you despite those differences.

Hold fast to who you are, but stay open-minded. Know that your words have an impact on others, so be kind when expressing yourself. Even the smallest amount of kindness can create a world of positive change.

Know who you are and always face your true north (an unchanging, non-negotiable point, always relative from your current position), but remember that over time even perspective can change. It all depends on where you’re standing.