Live It as an Adventure!

by Barbara Badolati

"We cannot direct the wind. But we can adjust our sails." --Unknown

I had been in a routine of depending on my computer, my software, checking my e-mails, conducting my Alive & Well business through this virtual connection to most everything on the planet. And THEN, my life became adventurous! My hard-drive crashed, melted, disintegrated. Fortunately, some items had been backed-up, but many were not. I won't bore you with the gritty details, as I am sure you have heard the horror stories, caught a mean virus at one time or another, and may have experienced a similar fate as mine.

Most of us use a computer to some extent; even young children know nothing else but a computer, a cell phone and music CDs. However, just as my grandmother became accustomed to using a telephone, I too am learning how to function in cyberspace.

I am a people person, my right brain fires more than my left, I like to be physically moving, so all in all, sitting at a computer is not my forté. And yet, in today's world, it is inevitable. Or so it seems.

When my hard-drive went in for repair, I went for a massage -- the perfect repair for my dis-stress. Interestingly enough, my massage therapist doesn't run her business with software and paper, but rather soft hands and cotton sheets. She told me that she once considered setting up a database, writing an e-newsletter, sending out reminder e-mails to her clients, but decided not to. It just wasn't her "thing." Putting energy into her clients when they are on the table is what she chooses to concentrate on. She also trusts that her clients will come, and that giving them a great massage is what will keep them coming back.

My business is more global and because of technology I am able to help people around the world! As exciting as this is, it does present challenges. When challenges hit, remember, life is an Adventure.

My computer adventure was weeks of technological mayhem, but somehow I managed to keep an "adventurous" perspective. When I was pushed to the brink of frustration, I stepped back from the edge and took a few deep breaths. I viewed what was working, and called on those who could save me from "jumping" off the cliff... or at least keep me from throwing the computer out the window.

Aren't we all challenged from one time or another? Nobody is immune from difficulties, hardships or challenges, not even massage therapists. What is your perspective when life throws you for a loop? Do you see the silver lining in the cloud? Is the glass half full or half empty? Do you believe that when one door closes another door opens? For me, I looked at the computer loss as an early Spring Cleaning! I hadn't planned on spring cleaning my business, but that's how I decided to approach it. I had to choose. Was the computer dilemma going to be an insurmountable task, or could I approach it one step at a time? Choosing perspective was the key, and gratitude helped me unlock the door.

Everyday, I focused on my blessings. I was blessed with a personal 'geek squad,' abilities to talk with support staff oceans apart, resources to cover the damage, clients who were understanding, and the resilience to reconfigure, reinstall, and recreate. I am sincerely grateful for those whose forté is this type of work. We all make the world go 'round. Go around with a positive attitude, see the good in every situation, live your life as an adventure and enjoy the ride!

Barbara Badolati guides people towards greater health and vibrant (adventurous) lives through her Dare To Discover workshops, Well Coaching and other Alive & Well programs. Sign up for her free Well--BEing tips at www.aliveandwellbarb.com