Live a Life of Thanksgiving . . .
My morning wasn't exactly getting off to a great start - I had a headache that started in the middle of the night, and to top it off, as I was racing out of the house, I noticed that my van tire was almost flat. “C’mon, really?” I sighed, grabbing the tire pump out of Becky’s car, and hoped it was just a slow leak.
I managed to arrive at my networking meeting just moments before it started, complaining to those around me about how my morning had started out. After the meeting, I shared my frustrations with a few more people as I waited for the tire to inflate, then I headed to my first job in Clearwater. This job turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!
When I arrived at my cleaning job, it didn't appear that anyone was home. After ringing the bell twice and knocking on the door I finally heard someone coming. The young lady’s name was Ashley and she appeared to be in her mid-thirties. She greeted me at the door with a beautiful and infectious smile and welcomed me into her apartment. "Sorry it took me so long to get to the door," she said apologetically, I said, "Oh, don’t worry about it, it’s no problem." She said, “This is Saffron, my service dog.” Saffron was a friendly golden retriever who just wanted to be petted. Ashley told me that she had lost her legs in a tragic car accident two years ago and that Saffron was there to help her with anything she needed. What was most clear about Ashley was her cheerful outlook and how she still found ways to make the most of her life. She taught me more about happiness and resilience than any seminar or book ever could. I can now better understand Lance Armstrong’s words, “I take nothing for granted anymore, I only have good days and great days.”
After finishing the job, that morning I said goodbye to Ashley and Saffron and headed on my way. As I got back in my van, a sudden flood of emotion hit me as I recalled how I complained to everyone that morning about my life’s circumstances . . . a headache and a flat tire.
Ashley called me one day to let me know that she was moving up North to be closer to her family and she thanked me for always doing a great job for her. I often say, “People that come into your life are either a blessing or a lesson,” and I believe Ashley is both! I am inspired and grateful for my own life and I now choose to show up each day as the best version of who I am.