Thursday's Thought

Fall finally arrived in our nation's capital. Cooler temperatures and crisp air. Friends and family back from Summer vacations. A return to the regular rhythms of life, work, and activities. And it made me happy. As much as I enjoyed the past season and all the freedom and spaciousness if offered, I am always grateful to be grounded by familiar routines.
 
Over the weekend we were able to connect with different groups of friends and enjoy time as a family. We celebrated exciting news from a dear friend. I took a yoga class with a favorite teacher. We visited the farmers market and our beloved neighborhood coffee shop. We concluded our week energized for whatever lay ahead.

But this week didn't unfold as anticipated. Three clients had to cancel their sessions. The nagging pain in my leg was diagnosed as tendonitis. We had to make a difficult family decision. The glorious Fall weather turned grey. Then it started to rain...
 
My attitude plummeted. The ease and bliss of the weekend evaporated. Under doctor's orders I was prevented from seeking solace on the running trails or losing myself on the yoga mat. None of the grounding practices in my toolbox provided any lasting comfort. 

"Are you okay?" my husband asked. The answer in my head was a definitive, "NO!" but when I stopped to consider the source of my malaise, I didn't have a compelling answer. I realized I had allowed a series of relatively minor setbacks to steal my joy. When I stepped away for perspective, I saw that my mood was simply a function of not choosing happiness.
 
When the skies turn grey or life presents us with less than desirable circumstances, we can surrender to the sea of negativity or we can rise above - the choice is ours alone.  Next time you slip into an unwarranted slump, can you pause and put circumstances in perspective? Can you choose to be happy?