Hi Arcadians,
Yesterday really could have been a terrible day.
All signs were pointing in that direction. Jason had woken up in the middle of the night, aka 5 am, to go play pickleball. Shortly after I hear the front door close and he leaves, I hear the kids are awake at 5:20 am. Through their monitor, I tell them, “it is the middle of the night, you need to go back to sleep.” They both try, but both fail.
Groggy, I wake up, I go get my coffee. The kids come downstairs and I look at the hallway to our front door and see something that shouldn't be there. Our senior dog, has not made it to the bathroom and decided to walk the hallway. I clean it up, but I still smell something. Upon further review, I realize that the cat has also not made it to the litter box. (Please don't judge me. We actually do have a clean house).
I look up, and the clock says 6:02 am. Heck of a start.
It could have been a terrible day.
I could have (and admittedly have done so many times):
Grumbled under my breath and angrily yelled upstairs, "Go back to bed!"
Punished our dog and attempted to punish our cat even though she doesn't give a rat's ass
Decided that this day was off to a terrible start and be sucked into a mindset that would set the tone for the rest of the day
But I am learning, that I have a choice. And, this time I chose differently.
Instead of being wrapped up in my reality - “I want to sleep, no one is respecting my space and it’s too damn early.” I took a minute to asses the other realities taking place under our roof.
Its daylight savings time. The kids are having moment adjusting and they’re certainly not doing this to be spiteful. This is literally their normal time of waking up.
Our dog is old. She literally cannot help it. And, is frankly probably embarrassed.
Okay, you’re right the litter box needs cleaning. Fair.
Jason is having a great time playing pickleball, and that’s a good thing. Health is one of our values, and he’s honoring that.
Okay fine. This literal sh*t storm is actually kind of funny. And my day started with extra time with my kids.
We have a choice. Always. And it can make or break the day.
Here’s what’s in the stars this week:
• Today, Morgan J. Ingram joins the Friends with Benefits Podcast to talk about redefining success in every area of life and how he does this. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify or Youtube.
• We kicked off Novemeber in the Arcadia Constellation with Amanda Goetz to talk about her new book - Toxic Grit and the importance of creating space for every character we embody. If we focus too much on a single character - CEO, Caregiver etc its a recipe for burn out.
Join us in the Constellation for the work that makes you better at work and at home. Be great. Be Arcadia.
Be Great,
Sam
P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, consider sharing it with someone else who would like it. We’re so grateful you’re on the journey with us.
