What did you notice first? Mud? or Blue sky?

Storms happen. Mud happens.

Some people would turn around and go home. Some get stuck. Some wallow. Many never look up. Some never bother to look across to see what’s on the other side. Some just need encouragement from a friend.

It’s important to acknowledge the mud puddle. After all, there could be a big ankle twisting, axle snapping hole hidden under the surface of that muddy water! Common sense should be warning you to proceed with appropriate caution. Minimize your risk. Know your limits. And, if all you ever do is look up, you’ll miss the danger right in front of you, and fall in the mud.

Test the water. Find a stick, how deep is it? Maybe it is quite shallow. Maybe it is deeper than it looks.

Is there a way around? How important is it to get to the other side?

It sure isn’t going to be easy. There is a deep puddle, thick, slick, sticky mud, pokey cactus, barbed wire fence and some cow patties all in your way.

Did you notice the reflection of the blue sky and puffy fair weather clouds on the water?

It will get better. It already has gotten better!

The storm is over. Now you just have to find a way through.

Sometimes, when we are focused on the mud, we have to remind ourselves to look up, look ahead, look around, and look for the bright side.

One thing I’ve learned watching people rehabilitate themselves from the worst day of their lives is this: Those that find a way forward, those who look for a “work around”, those who focus on what they CAN do, and those refuse to wallow, do better and get better!

Acknowledge the bad.

Recognize the good.

And – GET OUT THERE!

Sometimes, when we are focused on the mud, we have to remind ourselves to look up, look ahead, look around, and look for the bright side.

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