I recently realized I’ve been living my life without that extra dose of BS I had been serving up to myself for so long.
What is the BS?
I’m at the train station in Madrid in line for boarding a train for Barcelona when the tenant informs me they do not accept surfboards. This is typically where the BS starts.
It includes:
- Extra Drama – getting mad at the attendant.
- Extra Stress – turning an inconvenience into an existential threat.
- Catastrophizing – believing the whole trip is in jeopardy because of the unexpected change in plans.
- Complaining – making sure others know how I was a victim and seeking their pity.
- Rumination – being upset about things I can’t control and thinking about it over and over again which does nothing to make it better.
Usually in this order but not always.
Life without BS looks like this:
- Remedying – explore all routes toward finding an easy remedy. In this example it was:
- Asking them to make an exception
- Seeing if an extra cash tip would help…
- Then, trying to get a refund
- Accepting – once all options to quickly remedy the problem have been exhausted, I need to accept the situation and move on.
- Adjustment – adjust my plan seeking the best possible alternative.
- Learning – identify the lesson to be learned, if any. Take a mental note for the future. IE – always check to make sure transport can accommodate board bags.
- Move On – get back to enjoying life as fast as possible. Further thought, distress, or rumination on the subject does no good.
How did I reach this realization? I guess carrying a board bag around the world has taught me patience and flexibility.
And maybe, also, I’m just naturally mellowing out with age.
However it has happened, I’m glad it did.