Well, I woke up this morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes and found my cleanest dirty shirt. Then I washed my face and combed my hair and stumbled down the stairs to meet the day. Okay, I stole some of that from an old Johnny Cash song, but that's the way I felt this morning when I woke up—I can't lie to my happy readers. There was nothing to do but go and face the day.
...all I could do was think about the negative things not going my way.
So, there I was, driving down the most beautiful road on the planet, blue sky above and comfortable temperature. I am not hungry. I have a great family, many great friends, and good neighbors. I think most people are happy to see me, not hiding from anyone, in good health, and all I could do was think about the negative things not going my way.
I was mad at myself for getting sucked into all the negativity.
That's when it happened. I turned the radio on, and the DJ was spewing out the list of the latest disasters. Covid, Ukraine, gas price, inflation, supply chain issues…I got so angry that I yelled at the radio. I scared the guy with the homeless sign. A stray cat and two squirrels ran off in terror. My poor dog in the back seat had her paws covering her ears. I was mad, not at the DJ or the radio station; it's their job to dish it out. I was angry at myself for getting sucked into all the negativity. With all the suffering taking place around the world, all the hardships I've witnessed, all the disappoints I'd overcome—I had no right to feel sorry for myself!
Not today. I can't feel sorry for myself. I'm not listening or watching any negativity today. I'm not taking all this for granted. Not today.
I decided to head out to my secret cool-down zone and walk. I parked in the handicapped-accessible paved parking lot. I walked past the well-maintained restrooms, empty trash cans, well-maintained trails, natural and paved—St. Joe State Park is my super hideout. I leashed up my trusted hound and hit the trail. My dog yelled at a deer and several species of birds. Soon, through the rolling hills and unspoiled forest, we both regained some clarity. I started thinking about all the money it must take to have such a park open and FREE to everyone. I thought of all the people who had the vision and passion for making parks for all to enjoy. What a wonderful place we live. All these beautiful parks, clear rivers, unspoiled forests, clean air, endless opportunities, friendly people, and low cost of living... So, not today. I can't feel sorry for myself. I'm not listening or watching any negativity today. I'm not taking all this for granted. Not today.
Get out there!
-da editor
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