Taking Life in Stride

I’m often in a hurry. Getting stuck behind at least four pieces of slow-moving farm equipment was not where I wanted to be that morning.

I took a breath and reminded myself how far I had come. Literally and figuratively.

I grew up in California. I learned to drive on California freeways where reaching ones destination in the shortest amount of time possible seems to be everyone’s goal.

But here in Idaho, married to a farmer, I have learned a thing or two about taking life in stride.

I have quickly learned the benefit and necessity of letting go of things I have no control over, such as the unpredictable weather, crazy ups and downs of the commodities markets, and driving behind slow moving farm equipment.

With the hurry and rush mentality of today’s lifestyle, being forced to slow down can seem unbearable. It’s made even more difficult when we try to take over in areas where we have no control. We become frustrated and frazzled.

The equipment in front of me was so large that it covered the entire width of the road! There was no way to pass.

I had a choice to grumble and complain or turn that time into something more positive.

The imagination, such a powerful tool, came to the rescue.

I’ve always loved parades. Following a line of farm equipment, followed by a pickup, followed by a semi-truck, with me bringing up the rear with my little, red Camry, felt just like being in a parade.

I chuckled at the thought and let my imagination fill in with colorful floats and high-school marching bands.

Why not? Why not change the story of my situation and find enjoyment in my annoying circumstances?

It wasn’t long before the equipment turned off and I was able to continue on my way with a smile on my face.

Instead of an interference, maybe that little delay was exactly what I needed to change the emotional direction of my day.

Can you use your imagination today to have a little more fun as you take life’s annoyances in stride?

With love,