My daughter’s retainer came unglued from her mouth and stuck out like she was chewing on a metal toothpick. A new teenager, in 7th grade, she was mortified and disappointed that the local dentist couldn’t fit her in for a fix until late afternoon. She was devastated.
Worst day ever. EVER.
After finally getting her brother to school after his own morning issues that necessitated a trip to the doctor before drop off, I suggested we head to the post office. The notice stuck to my door the day before said it would be ready for pick up after 10:00 and it was 9:55. Perfect.
The post office sounded like torture to her on this crappy day to beat all crappy days. She was beyond unhappy that someone would see her with the metal bar sticking out of her mouth, but was a trooper and got in line at the pickup window.
Two packages. One flat and one small box.
Apparently, 100% of her friends had mobile phones (she informed me daily). Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I didn’t think that a phone was necessary. We live in a small town; she has an iPod and an iPad – tech covered.
Still… it was what she wanted more than anything and the only thing on her wish list (other than a puppy).
I handed her the flat envelope and asked her to open it for me.
Unhappy, and sure that nothing in this wimpy little package would change her mind, she opened it anyway.
A new aqua blue iPhone case dropped into her lap.
“What’s in the box,” she asked hardly daring to hope she knew the answer.
We cracked open the box in the car, and it was as if she won the lottery.
OMG!
Tears ran down her sweet cheeks.
She smiled so big; it was amazing her face didn’t hurt.
“I never knew that one of the worst days of my life could turn out to be one of my best.”
What If Your Worst Day Ever Doesn’t Have to Be?
What if the next time your day is super crappy, you stopped looking for more crap and opened to the good?
What if we’re the ones who make our days good and we make our days bad? Yes, shit happens, but we react to it. Maybe things aren’t as bad as you think and it could be that your reaction is making things worse… or better.
What will you choose?
The bottom line is that if you want to transform your worst day ever, it starts with you. Where you focus, your attitude, your perspective. It’s all in your control.
Even on our best days, things go wrong. It’s up to you to look for what’s going right before you react (or overreact).
Your day could turn around at any point. Maybe your iPhone is waiting for you to open it. You never know.
I love this video. Remember, things happen… your reaction is up to you. What would you do if you lived in the kingdom?
Love the message in your Alli! I have been in challenging situations where I couldn’t see straight which meant I couldn’t see the good either. When I am feeling upset I try to gain perspective as quickly as possible so that I can take action. I also think of ways that I have dealt with similar situations and anchor myself to those solutions. It’s never as bad as we think.
Thanks Alli and will share!
Love your advice to anchor yourself to moments when you’ve been able to find solutions and positive paths forward in the past. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and much harder to take a breath and wait for a beat before we respond.
Many thanks!
Alli
Really great reminder that even in the darkest days, you can find moments of brightness. Thanks, Alli
Well said, Joy! Thanks so much 🙂
Alli
Don’t have much control over what happens – but we have total control over how we respond. OUR CHOICE!!!
You know it, John! Yes, things happen to us but we always have a choice of our response. With you!!
Alli
Every kid should have a mom like you. Kudos to you for such a deep level of understanding, empathy and action. Best part? Those skills transfer to your professional life and you already know that. As those two urchins go into their own worlds and make their way, they will remember and be grateful. Know that too, my friend.
Thanks so much. You’ve made me blush, smile and feel grateful for this time with them. I’m convinced I learn more from them than they do from me. Yikes.
Alli
Thanks for that video…I needed that! Absolutely brilliant…
What a valuable lesson for your daughter! And those of us lucky enough to read your post. It really is our choice to choose our response rather than simply reacting. Thanks for the great reminder!
That video is fabulous. Glad you liked it too. Spot on, isn’t it?
Thanks so much, LaRae!
Alli
What a roller coaster! So glad it ended well for her. (And love the video!)
Such a great reminder that sounds oh so familiar. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Chery. I’m glad it ended well too… and she learned the lesson she needed to learn all on her own!
Alli