Dr. Seuss
As the last week of April rolls in, the sky is bright and vibrant. It’s warm and smells of fresh cut grass and new growth.
Trees sway to the rhythm of the wind. I sit here with a cup of coffee in hand moved by the wise words of Dr. Seuss. This morning started rough around the edges. I found myself sitting up on my bed letting the melodies of birds chirping soothe me. I was frustrated and annoyed. Have you ever had one of those mornings? You know, when one action triggers an onslaught of feelings? That was me this morning.
I decided to take my time today. I decided to focus my mind and heart on a better place. This of course led to apologies being made and taking the low road. Was it easy? Absolutely not. Everything within me wanted to be a 95% jerk. But, what would that have solved? Nada.
You see, when our days start rough and unpleasant, it’s easy to shut ourselves off from it getting better. It’s easy to play tit for tat. We will wallow and pout in the frustration that was brewed. We will let petty thoughts run rampant and lead to thoughtless actions. Instead of taking a moment and seeking a higher perspective, we will sit and nurse our pride, justifying our attitudes.
The thing is, when we do that, wallow in our frustration and burrow in our pride, we close our eyes to what’s in front of us. We disconnect ourselves from the world and people around us. We distance ourselves from seeing the silver lining.
Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s important to feel; to process our emotions no matter how serious or trivial they may be. Whenever we are frustrated, angered, hurt, or offended, it's most likely because a value of ours has been neglected or dismissed. So yes. Feel it. Process it. But don’t stay there. Don’t sink into a state that will cause you to miss what’s in front of you.
If we choose to disconnect instead of connect, we will miss some of the most golden moments. I’m challenged by this. Even as I reflect on this morning, for a moment, I chose to disconnect which only birthed more disconnection because I am human. But, dear ole Dr. Seuss challenged me. I’ll miss the best moments, if I keep my eyes shut. I’ll miss the best moments, if I choose to shut off connection; if I choose to close my eyes to see from a higher perspective. As this week jump starts, I want to empower you to open your eyes. Whether your morning started rough or was crazy smooth, whether what you may be facing is something small or monumental, allow yourself to feel, but choose to go up just a little higher. Don’t wallow, but rise up. Realize that some of the best moments, the healing moments, the golden moments rest in your choice to see things differently.