Lemons or Lemonade It's Your Choice

It can be challenging to know what to do when we receive a yearlong shipment of lemons that we did not order or want. That has been my challenge this year. Every possible unexpected expense that can come up has arrived. We need a new roof on our carport, my teeth needed major repair by replacing a bridge and crown, the air conditioner stopped working in our car, we had plumbing issues, and hopefully the final challenge happened yesterday when bringing in the Christmas tree the door got pushed into the wall putting a big dent in it.
 
When we visualize a lemon being sliced instantaneously we feel the additional saliva in our mouth. Our brain automatically responds so our body can handle it in a healthy way. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to trigger such a helpful reactive response to unexpected, difficult situations in our lives? We can do just that!
 
There are two choices in any challenging situation that arises. The first, which unfortunately takes no cultivation, is a negative, angry response. They’ll be much support here from old habits and many of the people in your life. Can’t you just hear the choir from within and without, “I never get a break. Does everything have to go wrong at the same time? I have the worst luck. That’s it, I’ve had it! I give up!
 
The second choice is a turn to trust and gratitude which focuses on positive solutions. Initially this is not a reflexive response. It does indeed take cultivation.
 
So let’s get back to my reality of this week. I was not happy with my abundance flowing out faster than it’s coming in. Here’s where my daily habit of writing in my journal pays dividends. So I randomly just started writing down the blessings in my life. I am grateful for my wife and her support as I delve into one misadventure after another. Sometimes I am much like Don Quixote and always chasing windmills. I am especially appreciative of my three great children who have wonderful supportive spouses and have blessed us with eight beautiful grandchildren who call me Positive Pops.  I am also grateful for supportive friends and spiritual teachers who continually encourage me to tell my story.
 
Now that I shifted my focus I am ready to go out and open my lemonade stand to make a profit from all the lemons freely given to me.