It was an interesting week. On Monday and Tuesday I was nervous. Why? Two words: Job interview. If things went well, I would obtain my first education-related position. The fact that it was part time was irrelevant. I felt anxious and uncertain. At the same time, though, I felt determined to do my best. Somehow, by some miracle, everything worked out. It didn’t go exactly as I had planned, but that didn’t matter. What does matter is that it worked out, and I was relieved.

On to Thursday. Thursday was a different story. I went to work as usual and then headed to a meeting for my internship. On the surface it was a nice, sunny afternoon and I was feeling pretty good. Trouble started before I even got to the meeting. First, my phone started acting up. I left it at home, thinking I probably wouldn’t need it. I was wrong. After the meeting I realized my car wouldn’t start. This alarmed me, especially since I had just gotten it back from the shop, and it had been working fine that same afternoon. The last thing I needed was another expensive repair bill. So I did the only thing I could do. I waited until Dad could check to see what was wrong. I spent the next day and a half worrying, hoping for the best. I shouldn’t have worried. The “problem” turned out to be a minor issue in the form of a loose battery cable. Dad had it fixed in less than five minutes. Just like that, I was on the road again. Hooray!

This extremely interesting week got me thinking. A lot of less than great things happened. By all means I could have taken the lower road and complained or moped about everything that went wrong. It would have been a perfectly reasonable human reaction. I didn’t though. As soon as I got back behind the wheel I did something I don’t do as often as I would like. I reflected. I thought about all the good things, all of the blessings I have in my life. Friends. Family. Work. Health. As I reflected, something amazing happened. I couldn’t help smiling.

I’m a poor college student, but at that moment I felt like the richest woman on the planet. Let’s face it: money and material possessions are nice but they’re not the most important thing in life. To me, true wealth is the ability to graciously accept all the blessings we are granted and to keep griping about petty things to a minimum. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve got a long way to go, especially in regards to griping. I’m not perfect. None of us really are, regardless of what some folks think. I do try, though. It’s hard to let negativity and griping slide from our brains, but it’s not impossible. Start by taking a deep breath. Count to three, five, or whatever number makes you happy. Think not of whatever’s making you mad. Think instead of positive things. Think of the A+ you got in a previously tricky class. Think of an opportunity you’ve been given, one you perhaps never thought you’d have a chance at. Think of friends, family, and loved ones. If you’re not smiling yet, give it time. You will be. I guarantee it.

Until next time, take a deep breath, smile, and never forget that you are awesomesauce!