Bad Days

Do you remember the children’s book “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” (by Judith Viorst)? The poor child seemed to have one thing after another go exactly opposite of his hopes and plans. Unfortunately, no one on earth makes it through life without days like this. Even more unfortunately, sometimes the days seem to spread into weeks, months, and even years. Fortunately, if you choose to change your perspective, you will notice that there’s no such thing as a completely bad day.

I know that there are people who will want to argue with me here. Some days really do seem terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad. I will even allow that some things are so atrocious that they cast a negative pall on the whole day. What I’m saying is that not a single day goes by that there’s not something to be grateful for.

I have a friend who posts “daily joys” on Facebook. She started about a year ago and they are wonderful. Sometimes her posts are filled with gratitude for neighbors and friends who make her life more beautiful by being in it. Some days are more of a struggle, but she has remained dedicated to sharing her joys - and it's infectious. 

I had plans for September - 30 days worth of plans, 4 full weeks of plans. I can say confidently that not one of the 30 days went how I thought it would - not. a. single. one. I can also say confidently that the month was a success. My husband and I thought that we could use the three-day weekend to declutter our home of 23 ½ years. In reality, we decluttered the basement…most of the basement. I thought I would teach two classes, but my mom had her knee surgery moved up and I rescheduled them in order to fly “home” to help her convalesce. We thought she would have knee surgery, but the doctor came down with the flu, so I have spent the week enjoying my brothers and sisters and going through old photos with Mom. Plus, I get to return in a month! This morning my sister and I thought we would enjoy special treats from Starbucks after dropping our brother off at the airport at 0-dark-thirty. What we got was the opportunity to have more bonding time at Urgent Care after I lifted up my tea for my first sip and got 2nd degree burns on my thumb when the lid was loose. I am thankful to have only gotten my thumb, as my sweatshirt kept the spillage from reaching my chest. And, I didn’t drop the cup from the heat, so it didn’t splash on us scalding us in multiple places. 

Angels surround us presenting miracles all day long: even, and especially, on the bad days. Gratitude is the key. When we can find the daily joy, we set ourselves up to find more and more joy. What are you thankful for today?

In peace and love,

Margaret Rose

651.442.3732