Subtle Shifts In Thinking

Things That Went Right Today:

1) So nice to hug my family again. I missed them.
2) Came home to a clean house. So grateful.
3) Key Lime Pie Yoplait yogurt.

Sometimes it only takes a subtle shift in thinking to diffuse frustration and turn it to gratitude or resolve. For instance...on my flight back from Rome we got stuck sitting on the plane for over and hour before take off. It seems there was a problem with one of the passenger's passport so they had to be removed from the plane and then their luggage had to be found and taken off as well. This delay was going to cause problems for people with connecting flights and I heard a lot of grumbling going on amongst the passengers.  Given that we were facing a 9 1/2 hour flight anyway the extra hour was not overly appreciated generally. I too found myself getting fidgety and irritated while we waited seemingly endlessly for take off. Burt then the thought struck me that I really didn't know the nature of the issue. Maybe the person was a terrorist risk or something. When I looked at it that way I was suddenly quite content to sit there for a bit rather than face the potential alternatives. The delay caused my bag to be left in New York and delivered late which was kind of a pain, but really considering that I crossed an ocean for a fabulous vacation...if that was the biggest problem I had than I am very blessed indeed.

One of my favorite phrases that I use all the time is, "There is always an upside." I believe this to be true. And we'll be happier people if we choose to focus on the silver lining instead of the cloud. When it's raining outside remember that the moisture will help the flowers to grow. Going to work every day is hard, but helps us provide for our families needs. Changing diapers is no fun, but builds trust between parent and child as your serve your little ones. Getting sick can be miserable, but often allows an excuse for a much needed rest from our usual routines. Look for the "upside" when faced with challenges and the world will always feel like a happier place for you. Today I am immensely thankful to the Quezada family for hosting me on my wonderful trip to Rome. And I am grateful to have made it safely home.