Small Stuff

September 3, 2012

After an incredible Transatlantic cruise from New York City to England with my mom a few weeks ago, she paid me a compliment that got me thinking.  She said, "Heather, it's great that you don't sweat the small stuff in life."  Since retiring as a Doctor of Infectious Diseases, my mom has continued a life of contribution that almost demands sweating the small stuff for others.  She admires a trait in me that comes naturally for some but eludes so many other blessed people in this life.  I find that worrying does little to change the outcome of my concerns.  In fact, worrying about every little thing only seems to exhaust my willpower and reduces my capacity to resolve the real challenges I face in my life.  An example I have from the luxurious cruise came after being blocked from using my iPhone.  I discovered very expensive data charges that were unfairly added to my bill despite acquiring a plan to cover cruise related costs.  Some might not understand how I could get past an unsatisfactory resolution to restore my phone service after returning to the states.  In the grand scheme of things, the phone charges have little influence over me unless I decide to worry about something over which I have only partial control.  Instead, I decided to concentrate on the beautiful experience my mother was providing to me with her generosity and didn't sweat the worry of dealing with AT&T until I arrived back in the states.  (My father, too, was so very generous to assist me in paying the hefty bill.)

 I find that SO much of our lives COULD BE spent sweating all the things "going wrong."  And yet, isn't it so much better to look up and see the sun shining or birds singing; such little things that we often take for granted.  We can choose to smile and be happy on the journey even when we encounter bumps in the road.  I like to remember the wise saying The Journey is the Reward.  My wish to you all is that you may have peace and joy that comes from appreciating the small things rather than worrying about all the wrong things in life.
 

All my love,