Someone asked me today what I do when I have “one of those days.”

 

The day when nothing goes right. Nothing goes according to plan. One of those days that turns into the next day. When you feel like nothing will ever go your way again.

 

Well, I thought about it for a moment, because, like many of you, I, too, have had those days. And the story I related is from over 20-years-ago, and I shared it because it ALWAYS keeps me in check.

 

When I was a lowly E-1 rank in the U.S. Navy, I was stationed on the island of Okinawa, Japan, and I had an attitude that pissed off most people — cocky, arrogant, brash, and with some stupid chip on my shoulder. I must’ve always seemed angry because one of my superiors called me into his office one day and asked…

 

“Hey, man, why are you always so upset?
Why are you so quick to snap back at people?
What’s with you?
You have a far better life than most, don’t you know that!?!”

 

The man who was speaking with me (and I still do not know why the military allowed him to stay) had some sort of crippling arthritis. His hands were disfigured, he walked with a limp while dragging his left foot, and overall, looked quite sickly. However, as I look back, he was really just a nice guy!

 

He continued…”Glenn, look at me. Look at my physical condition. Do you ever see me get upset? (Actually, I didn’t) Look at you…you’re in great physical condition. You’re young, you have your entire future ahead of you. But if you continue with such a shitty attitude, you’ll end up with a really shitty life!”

 

He then told me that though I never did see him get upset, there were times he certainly did. So I asked what he did about it?

 

He explained that no matter what, when he was having “one of those days,” he KNEW it would always get better. He said he would just kind of continue with his daily responsibilities, and when he hadn’t any more for the day, he would retreat to his personal relaxation/calmness place (which for me is the television without anyone around), and no matter what, within three days, something would happen to change his outlook/view/vision or whatever you call it, but overall, he ended up with a brighter attitude and life went back to the way he liked it.

 

So, I’ve always kept his story in mind when I’m having “one of those days” and, it has proven to work for me, too! Three days at the most and I’m in the right frame of mind and attitude! Life is awesome!

 

Sometimes “those days” come from our own doing. I can’t always pinpoint what I’ve done, but when it happens, I just kind of chill and humble myself for a bit.

 

Lessons learned:
1. Shit happens
2. Sometimes it’s our own fault
3. It’s how we deal with our problems that count
4. Our attitude will ALWAYS dictate our life
5. It could be worse
6. Hang in there, change WILL come
7. Be nice to people

 

Here’s to your success!
Glenn Brandon Burke, M.Ed