My phone rang on my day off. I was out of town, but I knew I wouldn’t get a call without it being serious. All the people I work closest with knew I had looked forward to the day off. I needed it. I wasn’t going to ignore one of them if they determined they needed me enough to interrupt my day. As it turned out, she just forgot I had the day off. I had poor reception but a misplaced company credit card is a reason to pause, find better reception, and troubleshoot.
Fast forward a couple hours, and my young travel buddy and I relocated for a quick shopping run. When we parked, we found a wallet on the ground beside our vehicle. With no chance of knowing its owner, we headed inside to find a security officer or office. It was more challenging than we thought, but she proudly carried that wallet and stood on her tiptoes as she explained to the mall office employee where we found it and to please make sure to get it to the owner.
Fast forward a couple more hours, when we stopped halfway home for a quick break and snacks for the road. Except the small sleeve in which I carry my ID and card when I am on the go and want free hands was missing. It wasn’t in my pocket. I looked in all the usual places, but it wasn’t there. I was temporarily concerned and annoyed, but there wasn’t much I could do in that moment. I’d be home in less than an hour. Getting a snack to a hungry girl was more important, and I always have a backup payment option. We got our snack and got back on the road.
As I drove, I started to retrace my steps from the last time I was out of the car. I wondered if the sleeve had slipped between the seat and the console. I couldn’t reach far enough to check. I’d need to get a flashlight and move the seat. Sure enough, that’s where it was. I was glad I hadn’t reacted too quickly and cancelled the card.
Had someone designated the day as lose-your-wallet/credit card day and not warned me? Nothing was going to rain on my parade that day. I enjoyed every moment, and if it included a few inconveniences, I was okay with it. The day doesn’t have to be free of flaws to feel perfect.
We can’t roll with every speed bump or pothole we experience along the way. We can’t avoid every storm. But who said the only way to get past the inconveniences is to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist? They give context from which appreciation grows. They invite opportunities to help others, to encourage with the way we respond, to challenge ourselves to self-reflect, respond consistent with our values, and grow through the trials.
Today is going to include some challenges. The trials don’t announce themselves at the beginning of the day. But if you are prepared with a firm foundation, the annoyances will present some opportunities that will help you end the day well.
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