October has certainly been a month of ‘Perspectives.’ At least for me.
Following a most rewarding, two-week educational trip to the US, where I attended a program ‘Standing with Civil Society’ I am back, recharged, with different #Perspectives. We had citizen diplomacy meetings, examining the role of civic participation in an effort to improve government responsiveness. This led to the ultimate realization that we as citizens are the true ambassadors of change in this world. But, above all, the most gratifying part was interacting with people from 29 countries and observing their #Perspective.
An opportunity to Re-Think my Perspective and mission in life: that, in life there is indeed a circle of acts of kindness and acts of cruelty. And what we give, tends to come back to us, along with the wheel of change.
Coming home, I started work on TEDxNicosia 2014, along with my fellow TEDxers, who all share a common drive to make a REAL impact in the community we live in. I’ve said this before but I need to say it again! Every single TEDxNicosia team member will tell you that this is their way of giving back to the community. Quite simply, it is their humble contribution to society.
This year, TEDxNicosia challenges its audience to explore different Perspectives: of people who have always seen things differently, people who change gears and expand their perspective, or, people who simply follow that little voice inside of them.
‘So, what’s your Perspective?’ I asked the TEDxNicosia team.
First, I touched base with Marina Theodotou, Founder of TEDxNicosia. When Marina relocated to NYC, she asked us to ‘step up’ and take over. This was her message, from the Big Apple to the Little Island:
‘A small shift in our own perspective can translate into a giant change in the world. So, think about your perspective…Look north, south, west, east, decide what changes YOU want to make, and go ahead and make them.’
And, then followed a stream of inspiration from the rest of the TEDxNicosia organizing team:
‘By accepting the existence of points of views, we widen our horizons, we understand the importance of individual differences and maintain an open mind to the multidimensional aspects surrounding us. It’s all about perspectives.’ – Paul Koronis, Curator/ Organizer
‘In every story, challenge, idea or solution, there is a hidden angle that appears more unique, innovative and more inspiring. Pay close attention to the details and you will find it.’ – Loris Stavrinides, Organizer/ Creative Director
‘Rain. You love it. It brings you euphoria. But not when you are driving, or when you are heartbroken, or when you had plans outdoors, or when you have to walk, or when you are on vacation. But you love rain. Rain will always be rain. How you feel about it, truly depends on the angle you look at it. Life, is all about those angles.’ – Maria Stylianou, Production Manager
‘Not all is black and white – or right or wrong- and as long as you have a solid argument to support your point of view, a perspective is to be respected. There are as many realities and perspectives in this world, as the number of people living in it…’ – Stephania Constantinou, Translations & Logistics
‘People can approach the same topic, object, idea from a different angle. Just think about that!’ – Charis Michael, Sponsors & Logistics Coordinator
‘Perspectives is how we, individually, perceive what’s around us. It’s what we make of the world around us. It’s those people who have learned to hear the voice inside them by challenging all of their preconceived ideas and assumptions. It’s the people that break rules and are crazy enough to go into this world and create. It’s what Steve Jobs said, “the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels”. This year’s theme is devoted to the people that make innovation happen, those who have put all of their preconceived ideas and assumptions in a blender and poured it out in a marvelous form. – Christina Neophytidou, Ticketing & Auditorium Management
‘It’s a way to see life, details, and the big picture in so many different ways. It’s an encouraging vision of all aspects of life…’ – Evanthia Koronis, Sponsors & Logistics Coordinator
‘Sometimes, you have to tread back to your past to gain a perspective of the present.’ – Andri Josef, Photographer
‘Perspectives – be it in the form of art; famous paintings which different minds interpret in different ways. Be it in an argument or a controversial statement and the various perspectives it can possess, it is definitely a broad and interesting theme which is bound to fascinate.’ – Stephanie Stefanou, Logistics
‘You have a choice in how you choose to view a situation in life- each choice we make helps to define us and shape our value system. Observing other peoples perspectives can help move you out of your comfort zone, educate you, inspire you and alert you to a different way of thinking. It can free you!’ – Thalia Iacovou, Volunteer Coordinator
‘The same event or situation can be seen through many difference lenses and thus, be filtered in many different ways- this is what perspectives is all about.’ – Anna Koukkides-Procopiou, Volunteer Coordinator
– by Mahi Solomou, PR & Communications Manager of TEDxNicosia.
Original article source here.
