S2: E13 Five Years, Flat Tires, and A Shot

 A lot can happen in one week. 

Literally one week ago, I was driving home in a familiar neighborhood when an unfamiliar black hole of a pothole appeared. Just by the sound of it, I knew my tire was a goner. When I finally got the new one, another tire was found rather low... oh, that's because there was an itty bitty nail that decided to move in! If you know me, then you know all of the car trouble I have had over the years. It is honestly comical at this point! 

When things like this happen I tend to say, "I can't catch a break," or think, "Why me?" I'm sure we all do that. But these things happen to ALL OF US. (Well, I don't know anyone else who has had their license plate stolen, but I digress.) Flat tires are common though and it's an easy, though expensive, fix. After this happened, I was talking to my best friend and I began listing off all of the things that have gone wrong with my car. She responded in a way that I will now keep in the back of my mind for when the next moment strikes.

"You have a habit of adding up all the unfortunate things that happen to you. Which tricks your psyche into believing that's all that happens to you."

She was absolutely right. 

Just two days after the incident, a wonderful thing happened to me though! My 5 year anniversary with the Disney Store was back in October, but because of the pandemic the cast members who make the service pins were unfortunately still on furlough. To my surprise, they returned to their magic making recently and I was finally celebrated with my Pluto pin! Funny enough, it fell on my 5 1/2 year mark so that was really special. I am forever grateful for my Disney Store "Ohana" and all the memories I have made throughout my time there.

See, Marilyn, good things do happen to you!!

Two days after that, I got my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine! (You can call me Madame Moderna now 😉) This is huge and all thanks to those who took part in working hard to create it in just a year. Luckily I only had arm pain for one day after, but we will see what "part 2" brings me in a couple of weeks. Receiving a band-aid on the site of my arm, as well as my official card felt like getting a medal after a race. This medal can help save lives though and return us somewhat back to our normal. 

Other little fortunate things happened to me this week and I have taken them all to heart, but these two specific ones stick out most. Why waste time and energy on adding up all the unfortunate things and having them take over my mindset? Yes, they happen and sometimes it's out of my control, but there will always be something good to happen just around the corner. I am blessed to have so many people in my life who love and care about me and help pick me up when I'm down. 

Have you ever heard of the "Rose, Thorn, and Bud" reflection? You list something that is a rose (a highlight, success, small win, or something positive), a thorn (a challenge you experienced or something you can use more support with), and a bud (new ideas that have blossomed or something you are looking forward to knowing more about or experiencing). From now on I will refer to it as, "Five Years, Flat Tires, and A Shot."

-mvm-