MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS

Yesterday I finished all my pre-surgery testing.  Of course I won’t know the results for a bit I was in good spirits and was looking forward to going to group therapy. I was feeling cheerful and had decided I wanted a new summer dress to go in. Off to the local mall where I found a dress I had been looking for. I got home had a showered fixed my hair and did my makeup. I was off and heading downtown.

I was there with 10 minutes to spare and rang the buzzer, no answer so I rang again still no answer. It was at this point my heart skipped a beat and I checked my blackberry realizing I was there a week early. This is where my ego used to jump in and I’d begin beating myself up, e.g. how could you be so stupid; you should have checked your blackberry before leaving etc.  A few months ago I would have driven home being angry at myself all the way there.

This time something changed, I though of a stupid quote that if life gives you a bag of lemons make lemonade. There was no getting angry at myself.  Instead I thought it’s a lovely evening so I decided to have dinner at Milestones by the beach. When you take chances or decide to make the best out of your situation surprising things can happen. 

As I was walking down the street a man came out from a door way. He introduced himself saying he was the owner of this restaurant that just opened. He asked my name and wanted to know if I was willing too try it and give my opinion. I thought I can go to Milestone anytime but when can I be a food critic for a restaurant that just has opened.  I stepped inside and was seated. The food was delicious with a good variety. I had linguine in a pesto sauce with jumbo pawns. I thanked the owner, told him I loved my meal and that I would definitely be coming back. 

After dinner I decide to go for a walk along English bay. It was a warm evening and the sun was just starting to set. I remember my parents bringing our family to English Bay on several occasions and it brought back some nice memories. I went down to the waters edge walking along the surf for a bit as the waves were breaking over my feet. 

I watched the people on the beach. There were people sunbathing, roller-blading, some with families and some alone just out for a nightly stroll.  What struck me the most was a group of teenagers on the beach with a volleyball and no net. They had made up there own game and were having a blast. I remembered a time we would make up our own games and play until dark. Today it seem that kids have it a lot more structured; we the adults want them to grow up quicker and be more successful than us.  It was nice to see a bunch of kids just doing their own thing.

As I walked back to my car I was thinking to myself what a pleasant evening I’d had. It was nice to get out of my apartment. This would never have happened if I had not made the mistake of thinking my therapy was today.  Making lemonade was much better than being angry over a silly mistake.  My ego will have to now look elsewhere to bring me down. The ride home was quiet and peaceful.