The best thing about reading is that the words find their way to our unconscious mind in no time. Later at some point in our lives, when we need them, the inner voice speaks to us, the exact phrase!
My husband had booked a beautiful creek cabin in the woods for a weekend stay with our 1-year-old daughter and in-laws. After a solid 6-hour drive by car, we finally reached the place. We had an excellent meal for dinner, and once our daughter slept, we played with the deck of cards for the next hour or two.
Never in the last 4 years had we spent some time alone, just the four of us with non-judgemental minds. The only goal in the room was to have some good time. I will forever be grateful for that time, which helped me see the other side of my in-laws and how much fun they were capable of.
I went to bed, excited about the bunch of waterfalls we planned to visit the next day.
In the morning, I woke up a bit later than everyone else. My husband and in-laws couldn't contain the excitement in their voices as they talked about the couple of deers that visited our doorstep earlier when I was asleep. I forced a fake smile, and stepped out the door with my coffee to get fresh air. I knew something was not right, and I did not feel great. My anxious mind reminded me that it was that time of the month.
I instantly fell sick, thinking of all the worst things that could happen during this weekend trip. What if I have the most severe cramps this time? Wait, I cannot get into the waterfalls now? What is the point of stepping out the door if I don't feel well? Why should this happen to me at this time? What about my plan to click some beautiful family pics by the waterfall? The questions were endless.
As much as I hate to be a show stopper, I couldn't as well ignore the scream of my hormones. I returned to my room, looking to wear some dark colors to match my feelings.
At that point, I realized I had two choices, not just one. I could either sulk, surrender to my hormones, lose the day at the mercy of my weak mind or continue with my original plan of dressing up, showing up, and making every moment count!
I picked the second option and pretended to ignore the discomfort, only to realize it was easier than I thought. The more fun I had clicking pics and walking into the woods, I totally forgot about the state of my body or mind. I allowed myself to be lost in the awe of nature. To this day, some of my best pics were clicked on that day!
Since that day, I have trained my mind to seize any moment by picking the most obvious choice. To prove to nobody else but me that I am stronger than my situation!
Time and again, I am amazed to find that nothing can stop a heart that is determined to find happiness through the hell of any situation. And surprisingly, the barrier is most often our anxious minds, which keep alerting us of only the worst possibilities.
My wish for you today: When life gets tough, and everything else appears dark, remember that you have more than one choice. Let not your weak body or the wavering mind stop you from being happy and making every freaking moment count!
© Tamil, 2023
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