It's been a rough week so far for me, but I choose to be happy daily.
You ever have a day where things just don't work out as planned? For me it has been this entire week. I am in the process of helping out with my good friends surprise wedding shower. I've had everything planned - what to get and where to go. All this has stopped because my car wouldn't start.
I've been seeking joy and contentment this week despite not having my car to get additional things that I had planned out executed. Everything seems to be coming to a halt and I can assume that it’s a bad week overall, but let’s take a moment of pause and truly reflect:
I am still alive,
I can still make it to work,
Though I feel like I am a burden to my friends and family, they have made their way to help me get to and from work. They’ve allowed me to use their vehicle to run my errands. Other than gas money, I haven't had to spend much on my car - yet. The best thing, I haven't let my emotions run me to the ground. I've kept a logical thinking on this - I need to get to work, my other plans such as going to the gym and other errands – I know there are other ways around that like working out from home or adding a walk during lunch.
With all this going on - or not going on - I've managed to find other ways to get my hand lettering practice in. I've used my lunch break to read on and practice vectoring my hand lettered sketches. I continue to practice my deliberate practice from 7:00 – 9:00 pm, my writing typically happens at or around 5:00 am – 5:30 am. Prepping in advance on what style, word choice and/or phrase helps in the decision making factor of what to practice. I can pick up my tools and get to it. As a backup I always have my handy sketchbook and a pencil I don’t care for with me. (I’d hate to lose a $15 dollar lead holder).
Showing up everyday requires a relentless kind of dedication. It surely isn't easy and when things don't go as planned it can cause us to think irrationally or get caught up in our emotions of frustration. It would be simple to ditch everything and sulk in pity – thinking,”Woe is me”.
It was 7:10 am. I called two people already and my car wouldn't budge. I relentlessly called my brother; this is how our conversation went:
Bro- "yes"
Keshna - “my car won't start.”
Bro – “what time do you have to be at work?”
Keshna – “8:00 am”
Bro – “how long does it take you to get there?”
Keshna – “About 45 minutes, depending on traffic.”
Bro – “oh man! Give me five minutes.”
I made it to work exactly on time. I thought I was going to be a little late so I sent a text message to my supervisor and asked that he excuse me for thirty minutes. I was so happy that there was not traffic. Today is day four with not having a car and I still have a major task list with errands and supplies that I need.
I am choosing not to sweat it. I will continue to let the days roll on and do what I can. The things that are important to me I will get them done – regardless of what is going on at the moment.
“You’ll get more done the quicker you get over the problem and begin to search for a solution. ”
The takeaway:
Always have a backup plan. Things don’t always go right. Having people you can trust and rely on also help a great deal.
Do your most important work first. It will eliminate the stress and anxiety of wondering if you will have time to do it later. Do it now and pretend later doesn’t exist.
Learn to be flexible. Just because things don't always go as planned doesn't mean it has to ruin your day. Choose to be happy because life goes on, and it will not wait for you. I grew up with tough love - and I don't mean I didn't get love and affection. My mom never let me settle without trying first. Her best advice to me has always been, “figure it out," though now I realize my mother just didn't know the answer.
Sometimes perspective is all it really takes to making things work. What have you been trying to get done through a bad day? What was your end result?