Bad Day or Good Day?

I’ve just finished reading Tropical Mum, Shelley’s post: Today Is Not Monday about her not-so-good-day. It set me thinking about my own ‘bad’ days – you know, the kind of day when nothing seems to go right? I’ve had plenty of those.

Just last Monday, we had decided to go to the city after a long time (we live in the suburbs of Mumbai). We had quite a few things to do there and if we wanted to skip the post office rush on the way back, we needed to wind up by 4.30 pm. The morning started rather badly with the person who had to pick Pablo up being late. So by the time we left for town it was past 11 am. José had to make a small stop on the way. We ended up arguing with each other about the route and mode of transport. Finally, we were on our way only to find ourselves caught in terrible traffic as at one place the police were checking cars (for possible terrorists?) and at another, an illegal construction was being brought down. The weather was getting hotter and so was I!!

I caught myself saying in my mind: “This is a bad day, and it’s getting worse…..” That’s when I decided to stop the negative spiral and said to myself: “Whatever is happening is for a reason. The day is just fine. It’s my attitude that’s awful.”  That’s all it took for my ‘bad’ day to turn in to a good one. We were able to accomplish most of what we planned, put off what was not really important. We were pleasantly surprised by a call from a friend visiting from Goa. Unplanned though it was, we met for a good chat over a nice lunch. What’s more we got back home well in time too!

I’m learning to apply this sort of ‘changing the voice in my head’ to other aspects of my life – and it works really well. Would love to hear if this works for you too.

May you be inspired – everyday!