Being from the East Coast/Midwest, I must say, I get confused and frustrated every time it snows in Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. A relatively small amount of snow can have devastating effects—car accidents, closures of businesses and schools, traffic delays, and stranded people and cars. This winter “storm” was no different.
This weekend, there were two things to which I was looking forward—my daughter’s second basketball game, and my son’s wrestling tournament (probably the only one of this scope he was going to be able to participate in this season). These cancellations were precipitated by the school district because of road and parking lot conditions—three days after the last snowfall (?). I have no doubt that the coaches wanted the events to go on. I certainly wanted them to. But, the school made their decision—and for what they perceived as a safety need. I can’t quite grasp it, but….
So, here I am. Saturday morning with nothing on the calendar. Opportunity!! I am learning to consider the opportunity that is presented in the circumstances at hand. I have written before that we have three possible responses to circumstances. We can look at them as 1) burdens, 2) challenges, or 3) opportunities. I am a slow-learner—even when it comes to being “well-centered”—but, I am learning. I am seeing the opportunity that is available to me this day.
Last night, instead of having the opportunity to help move wrestling mats and set up for the tournament (notice the syntax—“opportunity to” v. “having to”!)—I had the opportunity to have an extended “15-minute Check-in” with my wife and have a sit-down dinner with the family. This morning I was able to sleep in (what I define as “sleeping in”—‘til 6 AM) and the rest of the family is still sleeping as I have gone through my morning routine of journaling, sip my second cup of coffee, and get ahead on my daily blog challenge. Later, I will make Chex Mix with my daughter for a little holiday tradition (more to come on this). We will probably watch a few holiday movies and just hang out as a family. This is actually a much more relaxed day than what was cancelled. I will have other days to watch my son wrestle, and the conflicting events meant that I would have missed my daughters game anyhow.
It is easy to get frustrated with disruptions that are out of our control. With the slightest effort, however, we can shift the momentum in a positive direction. Once that decision is made to consider the circumstance as an opportunity, the positive movement is easy and frustration is replaced with gratitude. Remember: your attitude shapes your attitude. Don’t be overwhelmed by burdens and challenges, let today be an opportunity to be (extra)ordinary.
Carpe momento!