I learned long ago that the view you have is important. I used to live in the middle of the woods with the raccoons and owls as my closest neighbors. I had three little girls under the age of 5 and a husband who was gone 12 hours a day building our house 20 miles away.

I would get a little nutty and then I would remember to go look at the view. Twenty yards from our three-room cabin was a stunning view of the lake and Mt. Monadnock. I could see for miles. I had to make myself remember to go look at the view. I needed a fresh perspective on my seemingly narrow life of diapers, tears and bedlam. I needed to breathe deep and let the beauty soak into my soul.

I recently talked with a woman who appreciates a view. She wants a new beginning. Right now she has two children to care for, minimal finances, no job, and has recently moved. Life has not been easy.

A smile comes over her face as she tells me about the view from the window where she now lives. She told me that the house she had been in was dark and dreary and the relationships were tense. She is now sharing an apartment that has a view of trees and a river. She loves that view. It’s her view.

She speaks with confidence when she talks of pursuing her education in the health sciences. She has had a taste of school and she loves it. She is learning about herself and wants to pursue her dreams. Dreams need support. She needs support systems in the form of people, opportunities and finances. She needs community; she needs all of us.

I think about how important our view is. I am fortunate to have been given an expansive view. I grew up in a very supportive, loving family. My father taught me how to change a tire, gave me my first tool kit, talked philosophy and history. My mother gave me the gift of her time and attention and the knowledge of how to bake a pie. When I set off on my own, they gave me old furniture and a saggy mattress (that is another story) and wished me well. I always had their support and love.

I was given a view of life and myself that was hopeful and positive. I was told I could do and be whatever I wanted. There were no limits except my own.

I am now in a position to see what happens when the view is removed from someone’s life. The shade has been drawn and the view has been hidden. I see individuals who have been robbed of dreams. They have been kept in the dark since childhood. Told they were no good, would not amount to anything, were stupid, etc., etc. What kind of view is that?

The River Center is about restoring a positive viewpoint. A viewpoint that is beautiful and inspiring. One that is full of hope. We teach parents to become better Moms and Dads, help those who are looking for work, provide free tax preparation and money coaching, and help people find other services they need.

A couple of weeks ago a parent told me that her life was changed after one parenting class. It had made a tremendous difference in her parenting and she was so excited.

A brand new view is a powerful thing. We all share a beautiful view of our Mt. Monadnock. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all could share a beautiful view of our lives and our family’s lives? Then everyone could have a view of life that includes hope, confidence and better tomorrows for ourselves and our children.

Margaret Nelson is the executive director of The River Center, a family and community resource center with offices in Peterborough, www.rivercenter.us. She can be reached by email at mnelson@rivercenter.us.

This column appeared in the Oct. 18 edition of the Ledger-Transcript.