Perspective...

Then, at a new job opening, he saw possibilities.
Now, there's a new job opening... he sees limitations.

Then, a new job meant a new environment, new challenges, and new people. He saw possibilities.
Now, a new job means a new environment, new challenges, and new people. He sees limitations.

Then, a social gathering included meeting skilled, talented people... lotsa possibilities.
Now, a social gathering includes meeting skilled, talented people. He sees limitations.

Then, birthday greetings of "another year older, another year wiser" meant new possibilities.
Now, birthdays mean another year older... but not always another year wiser. He sees limitations.

Then, in a new country, he has a new beginning, a new chapter in life, the choice to adapt or blaze a trail. He sees possibilities.
Now, in another country, he has a new beginning, a new chapter in life, the need to adapt to survive. He sees limitations.

Then, in a new school, he sees new faces, new teachers, new lessons to learn. He sees possibilities.
Now back in school, he sees new faces, teachers, lessons to learn... and lessons to unlearn from a life of learning and experiencing the possibilities. He sees limitations.

Perspective.