It's funny how we can have a perfect day, and then allow one thing, one moment, or one careless statement from another totally ruin everything.  I'm finding that no matter what I do, or say there's no guarantee I'll make everyone happy.  Sometimes I rub people the wrong way and sometimes people find me rude.  Everyone isn't going to understand me, be patient with me, or love me unconditionally.  I'm learning that I can't get mad at those persons for that either.  I can only be me, and I can only do my best.  Sometimes I'm going to fall short.  But, during those moments, it's up to me to be patient with myself, accept myself, and love myself unconditionally.  I can't let other people's opinions of me ruin my perfect day.

Another thing I've been noticing lately is I've been placed in numerous situations that totally ruffle my feathers, really make me uncomfortable, or tick me off…and simply removing myself from the situation is not an option.  For example, I have a co-worker that eats at his desk everyday and chews with his mouth open…disgusting.  Every time I fly (which has been very frequent lately), there's always something wrong…my seat is stuck and won't adjust, my personal light doesn't work, a baby is screaming the entire flight, my seat mate listens to the same song over and over and is humming at the top of his lungs, the flight is oversold, the flight is delayed, the flight is canceled, my seat mate wants to listen to his music WITHOUT headphones…I could go on.  Lately, every single customer service person I talk to REALLY hates their job and is taking it out on me.  There's just too many things like this occurring for me not to take the time and figure out what God is trying to show me.  

I'm realizing now that I've been put in all these instances to teach me something.  That is, I can't allow outside circumstances and other people to dictate my happiness.  And, I must learn to be happy anyway.  Intending to have a peaceful day doesn't mean that everything is going to go perfectly and everyone is going to be polite and say all the right things.  Instead, it means that no matter what happens, I intend to stay at peace and have a wonderful day.  No matter what happens, I intend to stay centered.

This is something that's seemingly easier said than done.  I've been borderline depressed lately because I miss Atlanta terribly.  I miss my partner, my friends, and the familiarity of being at home.  I've always been the type of person who loved to travel, explore new places, and make new friends.  But, at times I feel like in this instance, I'm being forced to do it against my will.  I know that I chose to take this opportunity for work, and I do appreciate it and I am grateful.  But, I'd be lying if I didn't admit how I feel sometimes.  All in all, I have to incorporate this new lesson.  Can I be happy and at peace even when I'm away from home and away from my comfort zone?  Can I be away from all that I know, and still…have a perfect day…?