Over the summer, I spent a fair amount of time working on a grant for John, the owner of a therapeutic fishing pond (I've wrote about him before). On Friday, I received an e-mail detailing the disbursement of the grant.
Good news, right? Ehhhhh.
When we applied for the grant, we asked for $10,000 for the purchase of an ATV. John, after a near fatal car accident, sustained brain injuries that prevent him for being able to drive a normal vehicle. Doctors have, however, afforded him permission to drive an ATV. The e-mail I received on Friday said that although our grant was accepted, the Foundation, would grant The Pond $2000. Not really sure how John would handle the news (and feeling pretty disappointed myself), I waited until this morning to call him.
I started the phone call with, "I have good news and bad news..." and when I finished, he said,
"Well, that's good news."
He was profoundly positive and immediately self-suggested that he call the Foundation to thank them.
I don't I am a naturally negative person, but I do find myself disappointed easily (mostly in myself). I set really high expectations for myself and when I fall short, I propel into extreme self-criticism. I wanted to to that this morning and then John reminded me of something.
Everything is a gift and "falling short" simply means we get to explore more outlets, try new ways, of reaching our goals.
I'm really lucky to know the people I do. I feel as if I'm constantly given reminders to be positive, to look at things from a promising perspective. John (again) taught me that loving is broadening our perspective, exploring our (many many many) options.
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