Approaching Each Day

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances."

Martha Washington 

Ah, how should I begin?  Perhaps by saying be careful what you wish for?  How many times have I grumbled and complained that I did not want to go to work, that I wished I could retire?  So, here I am.  Not close to retirement, that's for sure, and I am keeping a healthy outlook on my recent test results, but I've been home all week now, doctor's orders, and now worrying because of all the sick time I am using up.

My back muscle is still aching, although it does seem a bit better, and it has been quite a fight for me trying not to cough.  Funny how I seem to want to cough more now that I know I if I do I could throw the muscle out again.  It's all psychological at this point.  It's like when your tooth is aching and you can't keep your tongue off of it.  

My arm is also just about back to normal, and the swelling is just about gone.  Don't think I told you about that one.  I had to have blood drawn, and because of the cat scan, she was supposed to leave the catheter in for the IV solution.  Instead, she spent all her time complaining about how much she had to do and pulled it out.  Hence, when they called me for my cat scan, I had to have it put back in.  Same nurse, same complaints.  Well, she ended up putting it back in the same arm, and believe me, it didn't tickle as she poked and prodded.

Move forward to the cat scan.  All went well during the test, but afterwards, when they came to get me and remove the needle, they discovered the fluid had infiltrated.  Fortunately, enough fluid got into my veins for the test, but there was a huge lump in my arm where the fluid sat, and as the day went on it began to spread until my lower arm and hand were swollen.  Not dangerous, I was told, but scary for me nonetheless.  

Last night I was reading through my special notebook and found the following.  It is a great way to live one's life and one I will become a part of my daily activities:

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new job relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to!

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with knowledge and adventure.

Today I can dejectedly murmur because I have housework to do or I can feel grateful for shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped, and here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. And I shall decide what kind of day I shall have!"

Are you making the best of every moment in your life?