Disappointments and Learning Curve

I experienced a (very minor) disappointment this weekend.

Even though, in all ways, this disappointment (a minor award that was expected but did not happen) will not have lasting consequences and will be forgotten in a few weeks - it still did not feel good.

Like, really, really, out-of-proportion not good. 

It's funny, how your logical brain can be oh-so-reasonable... and it just barely makes a dent in how you actually feel.

To add insult to injury, this feels like there was an oversight, one of those "this does not make sense and is absolutely not fair" mismanaged situations.

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There was one thing I just learned (from my son's track coach, of all things - and I never ran track). Things that happen to you - do not define you. What defines you, is how you react to what's happening.

I keep thinking about this.

It is easy to be gracious, and nice, and sweet when everything is going peachy.

It's when things are NOT great - challenging life events, or political turmoil, or stressful situations - that's when it truly matters, how you react...

I do not react well to difficult times. I don't deal well with obstacles. I've been a mess because of world events and local politics. I have not reacted well when under stress or having to deal with unpleasant behavior from my teens. 

But this is one of those beautiful things in life - one can learn, and grow, and change.

I've got a lot of growing to do.