Snowmen

This past Friday was a day. I left the descriptor out on purpose, because I don’t know what would fit.

I had a lot go wrong, big and small. Small things like the post office lost my package. Big things like I lost my Oma.

When I reflected back on my day before I went to sleep, I was shocked at how much had actually gone wrong. It felt like every hour held a new problem or new piece of bad news. I wasn’t shocked at the quantity, I was shocked that the quantity didn’t feel overwhelming.

Don’t get me wrong. The news that my Oma had passed was a very, very tough hit. For so many reasons, one of which was that I had at the last minute decided to postpone my visit with her, which would have happened that morning. I now have to live with my regret.

What I mean is that I was shocked that my reaction was so... steady? I managed to take it all in stride and in proportion to the event. No snowballing. I did not consciously prevent the snowballing. Heck, I know and recognize a few other areas in my life where snowballing is currently happening.

So why didn’t I have a sumo sized snowman in my house when the day was over? I’m not totally sure, but I’m contributing it to two things.

First, COVID. If nothing else, this past year has taught me the value of those around me and the insignificance of the things around me. I am fortunate. I have gratitude.

Second, every lesson I’ve received about being in the moment. Every lesson I’ve received about appreciating what I have and who I have. All those lessons, the sum of my training. 

Have gratitude and you see your problems for what they are; moments in time, lessons, and if you can keep perspective, opportunity for growth. 

Khona Rybak