Still learning...

The first part of my day wasn't so great. An issue has come up and it's something that I just have to learn to deal with and accept. I not going to delve into the story of what happened...regurgitating the issue isn't worth the stress that will be brought back into my day.

But I will share a lesson I learned and it's one I hope I never forget...

All morning my stomach was in knots. I stewed and stewed and stewed about this issue. I was very bothered and most of my morning and the early part of my afternoon was pretty crappy. Every so often my inner self would say, "Jane, there's nothing you can do. Just pray that you get through this issue with grace." But then a few minutes later I'd be stewing and angry again.

Then out of the blue I got an email from a man who has written and published a few books. His first two books were written for adults but recently he wrote a book for children. His problem is he isn't sure how to market a children's book. He asked if I'd be willing to blog about it for him.

Now, mind you he's a total stranger and I've never met him. But after doing a bit of research my instincts were pointing to the positive position of my internal compass. I looked over his website and felt comfortable offering to help him. I responded and things are in the works so I will be blogging about his new children's book soon.

Regardless of all of this here's my lesson for today...

Most of the day I was so miserable and crotchety and moody and didn't want to talk to anyone. My stomach was in knots and I wanted to cry and scream. But something amazing happened...once I started helping this guy...this total stranger...all my cares went out the window!

I was so wrapped up in thinking of ways to help him I forgot about my troubles. I felt excited and happy because I love to help people figure out ways to promote and network online...it's something I've been doing for almost 10 years and I enjoy it.

After I was done emailing him I left to pick my kids up at school. Then we came home and I wondered around the house a bit trying to remember what I was doing before I left. I almost laughed at myself! I easily forgot about my troubles simply by lending a helping hand.

I'm amazed that all it took to perk me up was to help someone in need.

So my lesson is this...

...if you find yourself having a bad day, hosting a huge pity party, worrying, stressing, wanting to scream and cry try to remember how simple it is to get past the anger you feel. All you have to do is help someone. And it doesn't even have to be anything grand! Something as simple as agreeing to blog about a product helped change my mood dramatically!

Then I had another thought...I couldn't help but think that maybe this guy was God's answer to my prayer. I guess I'll never know for sure, but that's what I'm choosing to believe. I said a prayer and God sent me someone who needed help. I helped this man but in the end he helped me.

Amazing! I feel so much better!

I hope you get something out of this story and maybe use it in your life someday!

More interesting stuff on the way soon...until then,