A few weeks ago, I was driving to a counseling workshop about an hour away. Just as I was leaving the Oklahoma City metro area, the tire light came on. I soon realized my tire blew out, so I pulled over to a gas station and found that my doughnut spare tire was flat as well. (Mental note - check your spare!). Also, the air compressor at the gas station did not work.
I called a wrecker to have my car towed. The first place we went to did not work on tires, so I was directed across the street to a very small shop. The owner informed me my car tire had a screw that went inside the tire. However, he did not accept credit cards and was unable to write a receipt. When I told the owner I needed a receipt, he told me there would be no charge!
I drove back home, stopping off at my local tire shop. Since I bought the tire a month and a half ago, the shop ordered another tire at no cost, even though the road hazard warranty expired.
I also called the workshop that I missed, who credited my payment for another workshop later this year.
Each step in this morning I seemed to stumble over a hurdle. I initially told myself, “Why can’t I get a break?” I said a prayer to renew my thinking. Then I remembered how I encourage my clients to be “solution-focused” and look for challenges as opportunities. This was my chance to implement my own guidance. I looked for the positives in this situation.
After all was said and done, this entire instance cost me time (and a day of work), while I was able to break even financially, except for a few dollars using the air compressor. I was thankful to God for not protecting me when my car tire blew but also that I did not have to pay for a new tire.
We all have times when we have “stinking thinking,” and have a choice in how to look at a situation. If we have a way to change our thought processes, whether it is prayer or just going for a walk to clear our mind, we have a way to look for good in any situation. Ever wonder how some people are optimists no matter the situation? While some situations are worse than others, I have known people who can make lemonade out of lemons no matter what situation they are in. I hope you are able to look at your situation with a perspective that allows you to evaluate your options realistically.
I currently have openings for children ages 10 and up, adolescents or adults in need of help with depression, anxiety, anger or ADHD, please call 405-431-6225.
Thanks for reading!
Kevin
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