Today is just one of those Mondays.
I got a letter from the IRS that said they “believe there’s a miscalculation” in my return. So that big $300 refund I was planning on receiving? Fuhgeddaboutit. But hey, at least I don’t owe them anything, and they’re not auditing me. Woo hoo!
To make matters worse, the stock market is in turmoil today, too. My modest retirement account is showing a -0.29 return—and the day’s not even over yet. Happy Monday!
Not long ago, I wrote a piece about how sometimes things just don’t go your way. I was thinking about this over my morning coffee when I read a quote in a book called Touchstones that resonated with me. I’d like to share it with you.
“Winning provides us with motivation and fun. But when we give primary importance to being a winner, we weaken and lose balance.”
Windshield or Bug?
Wow. I was stunned to come across that quote this morning, as it hasn’t exactly been a winning month so far.
And it’s just life stuff. The standard issue, soul-sucking life stuff that usually comes at you in bunches. A grown-up will say, “Well, that’s life sometimes,” and still have a positive attitude. Still buckle up for the ride, suit up, show up, and do the work that needs to be done.
That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m the adult here. I can be an adult in these situations. Right?
It’s “love bug” season here in Florida, and I was reminded of an argument with my ex-wife when I saw all those nasty bugs on the front of the car earlier. The argument came one day when she was complaining about something (as she often did), and I said, “Some days you’re the windshield and some days you’re the bug.”
My ex just didn’t get that expression, and thought I was calling her an insect. So my misguided effort to give comfort led to one of our many arguments.
I lost that argument, and a whole lot more, but so what? Some days you win, some you lose. Life goes on. Next Monday, maybe, will be much better. And when it arrives, I’ll be here celebrating, God willing.
And who knows? The rest of this week may be an okay week, or even a great one. One day at a time.
