Yesterday, everything was falling into place. Even when something didn't work out, it led me to something better in no time flat. I was on such a high. I was on a roll ... literally!
With all the errands we had to run in the 'city', I hadn't expected to be looking at a new bicycle even though I wanted one. But as we had to detour to finish up our list, we ended up in the store that carried them. My husband urged me to take a look and realizing my first choice didn't have the features I wanted, I suddenly discovered a better option. Even then, it didn't look like it was available but with the help of a bright sales clerk and with a bit of luck I ended up with my beautiful new Schwinn Cruiser. Riding to my neighbour's house this morning I thought "What could go wrong? I'm on top of the world. Everything is perfect."
Then ... things changed. I can't even put my finger on one specific incident. It was more like a series of events that didn't quite come out as I wanted them to: a late phone call, packaging that wouldn't fit, an unexpected bill, missing ingredients for my lunch, etc. None of these were a big deal but added to the heat and humidity of the day, I lost myself. I struggled all afternoon to pull myself out of the funk and when my friend arrived for our walk, I told her I was grouchy. "Well," she said "You know this bad mood won't last. Just like the happy mood this morning passed, this one will too." And she was right.
In the euphoria of my excitement riding my new bike, I forgot about the little things bothering me. As they crept back in, I then forgot how temporary any mood can be. And most important, I forgot that I can do something about it. Now that's wisdom!
I made a choice to do some things ... just little things ... to have an inner shift because feeling grouchy was getting in the way of appreciating all my blessings. Slowly I counted all the good things that had happened and remembered the joyful moments I'd experienced in the past day. My smile came back and I felt much lighter. And that's what I'll focus on the next time something goes 'wrong'.
Ms. Daryl Wood is the founder and heartfelt leader of the life-enhancing Women's Wisdom Retreats. She is also a published author and an empathetic, compassionate, Outcome-focused Coach.
With all the errands we had to run in the 'city', I hadn't expected to be looking at a new bicycle even though I wanted one. But as we had to detour to finish up our list, we ended up in the store that carried them. My husband urged me to take a look and realizing my first choice didn't have the features I wanted, I suddenly discovered a better option. Even then, it didn't look like it was available but with the help of a bright sales clerk and with a bit of luck I ended up with my beautiful new Schwinn Cruiser. Riding to my neighbour's house this morning I thought "What could go wrong? I'm on top of the world. Everything is perfect."
Then ... things changed. I can't even put my finger on one specific incident. It was more like a series of events that didn't quite come out as I wanted them to: a late phone call, packaging that wouldn't fit, an unexpected bill, missing ingredients for my lunch, etc. None of these were a big deal but added to the heat and humidity of the day, I lost myself. I struggled all afternoon to pull myself out of the funk and when my friend arrived for our walk, I told her I was grouchy. "Well," she said "You know this bad mood won't last. Just like the happy mood this morning passed, this one will too." And she was right.
In the euphoria of my excitement riding my new bike, I forgot about the little things bothering me. As they crept back in, I then forgot how temporary any mood can be. And most important, I forgot that I can do something about it. Now that's wisdom!
I made a choice to do some things ... just little things ... to have an inner shift because feeling grouchy was getting in the way of appreciating all my blessings. Slowly I counted all the good things that had happened and remembered the joyful moments I'd experienced in the past day. My smile came back and I felt much lighter. And that's what I'll focus on the next time something goes 'wrong'.
Ms. Daryl Wood is the founder and heartfelt leader of the life-enhancing Women's Wisdom Retreats. She is also a published author and an empathetic, compassionate, Outcome-focused Coach.