Our society is in the midst of tumultuous times. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, our national course feels turbulent and murky. For me, it is more important than ever to cultivate a sense of wellbeing.
First, I will start with a story. On the first day of my journey around the United States last fall, I got a very late start. There were many details to attend to as I left my home for five weeks. So, three or four hours late I set out for the Buffalo area of New York State, an eight hour journey for me and my two dogs, Belle and Sebastian. I had made a reservation in a motel based on location, dog-friendliness, and cost. Shortly after I left Albany, New York behind, it began to rain hard. For the remainder of my drive the temperature hovered in the low forty’s and the rain continued hard on and off. I worried about my reservation so I called the motel during the evening and confirmed it. Finally, around 11:00 pm I arrived at the motel. During the check-in the clerk told me that I would be in a smoking room. I hesitated, and said that I had not asked for, nor wanted a smoking room. He responded that there were no other rooms. It dawned on me that because I was so late, I had the last available room in the motel. Briefly I considered looking for another room. But, it was after 11:00 pm now, rainy, and I did not know the area. So I reluctantly said that I would take the room.
Our room was on the lower level right off the parking lot. The room, of course, smelled of cigarette smoke. Also, a pickup truck parked directly in front of our room was running, and ran all night long. I didn’t feel like opening my suitcase, but I did. I looked around and thought how dreary! Is this the beginning of my glorious adventure?
Then I realized that I was at a fork, a fork in my choice of attitude. Did I want to look at my circumstances as a bunch of negatives, dreary, rainy and cold outside, smelly, and noisy? Or, did I want to see that I had a dry, safe, and warm shelter for the night? I chose the latter. I also decided then and there to maintain that attitude for my whole journey. It made a huge difference. I can’t pick one big difference, but it made many small differences nearly every day. People responded and helped me with directions, ideas of places to visit, and wonderful conversations. These many small events added up to create a memorable and successful trip.
I never want to forget the lesson I learned. So now, I check my perspective of the coming day shortly after I wake in the morning. Am I dreading anything? Feeling burdened or overwhelmed? Stop. Is that warranted? I have a choice, either change what I can about my day, or change how I perceive and handle it. And it is amazing, how much angst and negativity melt away. And how creative ideas surface that make the day more manageable if not fun. My choice of attitude supports my inner sense of well-being.