I had a series of what seemed to be “unfortunate” events Tuesday. It was like having your dominoes set up to fall beautifully but a tornado came along and scattered them all. I had plans. Things I could control. Life had plans. Things I could not control. Just the thought of that can leave many of us feeling out of control. At those times, most times, I remind myself I have options. I can control how I respond. I can control my actions. I can act or counteract and that takes wisdom. I saw the day was not getting any easier or better. So, I just let it happen and did what I could to salvage my “list”. It wasn’t very much left to salvage. So, I ended the day with gratitude for a multitude of things I was grateful for and the few things I did accomplish.

We recognize opportunities when they come written on a billboard or in shiny packages. But what about when they come in the “fine print of the day”? What about when they come in the crashing of back to back waves? What if it hits you like a ton of bricks? Rarely are we able to recognize the opportunities right away in these things. It’s usually long after in reflection or not handling them very well (Hindsight or experience? See it now as experience).

I did realize Tuesday was going to be a day where I probably wouldn’t get much done. I did realize I had to return to my PEACE and PRODUCTIVITY over and over and feel the frustration, breathe over and over and over, and handle this next small fire. I did realize the opportunity to escape into nature at the park. It was funny but, not really, how after I left the park I was yet hit with another wave of events. There was one more right before bed but, I was so over it by then I manage to push it to the side and not give it much attention. I did recognize by the end of the night, writing in my journal, it was an opportunity to use what knowledge I had, what I’d learn about handling frustration, change, inconvenience and the best way to respond. It was an opportunity for growth. I try not see it as a test. Test make me think of passing and failure. I try to assess myself, not judge, to see if I grew any or learned anything.

May you see the opportunities that are not obvious.

~Nikki