by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness CoachDirector, National Association for WLSwww.nawls.com
I had been putting off walking Ruby all morning. The sky looked threatening and I didn't want to plod half way through our route and get caught in a downpour.
I could hear the wind ripping through the trees and clanging the wind chimes next door. At first, all I thought about was my hair getting messed up; and how things small, sharp, and grainy would blow into my eyes.
I thought about how hard it would be to hear my iPod over the bluster and about how much work I have to rake through.
As gusts of negative, self-defeating thoughts swirled in my mind like dry leaves caught in a whirlwind, I thumbed through a favorite book for inspiration; and I came across this familiar quotation:
I had been putting off walking Ruby all morning. The sky looked threatening and I didn't want to plod half way through our route and get caught in a downpour.
I could hear the wind ripping through the trees and clanging the wind chimes next door. At first, all I thought about was my hair getting messed up; and how things small, sharp, and grainy would blow into my eyes.
I thought about how hard it would be to hear my iPod over the bluster and about how much work I have to rake through.
As gusts of negative, self-defeating thoughts swirled in my mind like dry leaves caught in a whirlwind, I thumbed through a favorite book for inspiration; and I came across this familiar quotation:
"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice." ~ William
Jennings Bryan
My mind calmed instantly, useless thoughts fluttering to the ground. A new perspective drifted peacefully into my awareness. And then a smile swept across my face.
"Ruby!" I chimed. "Here, Ruby!"
Suddenly, I couldn't wait to get outside. I practically skipped to the closet where I keep the leash and my "go kit." Ruby rushed to my side smiling from ear to ear.
No need for my iPod. I love blustery days! I love the feeling of the wind in my hair.
How had I forgotten? How had I let a few minor stresses at work (yes, it's tax time) rob me of my bliss?
The rain held off until we were exactly at the furthest point in our walking route from our house.
As the wind whipped my hair into a scary mess, the rain drenched Ruby and me. That happy dog pushed ahead, smiling. And so did I.
I'm sure my neighbor thought I was deranged as I neared my house, paused, shrugged, passed it, and kept on walking. We walked until we were tired and satisfied.
Dripping wet, exhausted, and exhilarated now, I want to share with you a secret of life:
Most of the time when we're griping about the clouds, the chance for joy is 100% -- if we choose it.
Your Assignment
If you've been walking around with your own, personal dark cloud over your head, remember your destiny is about choice, not chance.
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