Days Like Today

Today was one of those days. My morning was rushed and I walked out of the house with my coffee maker on the stove at high heat.  I did not remember till I was halfway into a massage from our team masseuse. I had an inner debate of whether I should get up and leave or hope that the apartment would not catch fire.

Being me, I thought the worst that could happen was some burnt coffee. 

I convinced myself everything would be fine and hurried home after the massage was over. Fortunately, the apartment had not gone up in flames and I was lucky. The plastic handle melted off and fell next to the element. I was sad that I lost my beloved coffee maker and mad at myself for turning our apartment into a plastic-smelling smoke house. 

The day continued with minor bumps along the way. My load of laundry ran longer than expected, which caused me to be late to pick up a teammate. I took a couple wrongs turns while I was driving and became flustered. I went grocery shopping and forgot a few important things on my list.

Last but not least,  I drove our brand new car into a boulder. A giant rock. A stationary object. 

I parked in front of it. How did I not see it when I was getting into the car?. Why did I drive forward instead of backing up? Why did I rush to get out of the spot? The whole drive home I wanted to turn back time. I hoped it was the last event of the day. 

The 21-year-old Megan would have handled the day differently. However, I learned how to react to these situations over my 25 years on this earth.

The most common phrase I heard from my parents growing up was, "Megan, slow down."

I tend to rush through things. I am learning to be more mindful, but still have days and moments where I do not take my time. 

 I feel like my life is a series of misfortunate events. Not serious misfortunes, just minor ones. Over the years I broke over 100 cups and wine glasses, lost or damaged approximately 20 cell phones and digital cameras, lost two passports and forgot numerous important deadlines and events.

I remember breaking a new cellphone and soon after I received an 800 dollar cellphone bill for overages. I cried hysterically and wanted my mom to fix it all. I wanted her to feel sorry for me and tell me it was all going to be okay. 

Instead of doing that, she was angry. Not for breaking my cellphone or for the huge bill, but for the way I reacted. I remember her exact words. 

"Megan, stop feeling sorry for yourself. Go volunteer in the cancer ward of the Children's Hospital if you want to see what a real problem is." 

On days like today, I am obviously bothered. However, I no longer cry or feel sorry for myself. I quickly remember how bad things could really be. 

a. I did not burn the apartment building down
b. I hit a rock and not a car or person
c. I am still alive and healthy 

I shake things off and try to chalk it up to another typical day in the "Life of Megan." Taking my time and mindfulness will be an ongoing struggle, but I am working on it. 

Every now and then I need a quick reality check. I live in Switzerland, I am happy, and stuff happens.

The coolest thing is I get another shot tomorrow to make everything right again. 
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The first person I wanted to call when I got home was my mom. Initially, I wanted to tell her I had a bad day. Although, I cannot even call it a bad day. Losing a loved one, getting fired or finding out you have cancer makes for a bad day. What happened to me today was just another one of those days. I shall call them, "Megan Days."

I encourage everyone, and will continue to remind myself, to put things into perspective. I realize in some cases it may be easier than others. But always remember, it is just a bad day and not a bad life.

M. Cyr

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