#72: From Dreary to Bright

Have you ever had one of those days when you wake up feeling blah and expect nothing to go right? That's how my day started this morning. It didn't seem to be based on anything concrete, simply a free-floating grayness that overshadowed my normal positive outlook.

But, as things happen, looking for good things to come about often turns around a negative.

Before lunch I met a woman who needed a cell phone to replace her mother's broken one. For five years I've collected unneeded cell phones to benefit woman and children domestic violence victims and the elderly, explaining that these old phones can still be charged and used to dial 911 for emergencies. It felt good offering a phone from the collection to help ease her mother's anxiety over being without one. The inner satisfaction from being able to help began to lift the fog of apathy I had fought all morning.

This afternoon I received a call from a publisher I edit books for. She said a check was on its way for edits to-date. Receiving money is always a pleasant surprise and continued cheering the day.

Then I finished another edit and emailed it off, taking away the pressure of meeting another deadline.

At dinnertime a friend of the family called to invite me to dinner. Another pleasant surprise is when someone offers to pay for a meal. I wouldn't think of depriving him of the enjoyment he would derive from being the host. :)

I then went on SparkPeople and began reading inspiring and encouraging blogs and gave thanks for the authors of the messages. They likely did not know when they posted their blogs how very much they would be needed today. I will try to get to all of them and give them a personal thank you.

So, what began as a dreary day with a morose attitude turned into one that leads me to sleep knowing I did a good deed but also knowing I received far more than I offered. For that I will be eternally grateful.

Do not hesitate to express your thoughts on SP. You may never know who needs to read your message and whose day you may brighten.

Bless you all.