Thank Goodness

Life is full of countless "what-if" thoughts. Typically I find myself trying to steer clear of them because you can't change the past and often "what-if" scenarios are not worth dwelling on. However, over the past few days, I've come to realize there are positive "what-if" moments.

What if I hadn't have gotten rear ended on my way to school a few weeks ago? I probably wouldn't have kept my eye on a driver flying down Hwy 14 who would've slammed into me while going at least 60 mph as I waited to turn onto the road home, most likely sending me into the oncoming car. THANK GOODNESS I got rear-ended.

What if I wouldn't have risked asking a group of women at my watercolor painting class if I could sit with them my second week in? I know I would've lost an opportunity to enjoy the lives of three very interesting women (two of which are 70- but I NEVER would've guessed it) who I am growing to admire more and more after each class. THANK GOODNESS I took a risk.

What if I didn't get a student teacher this year because I was too afraid that I wouldn't be a good mentor? I wouldn't have realized how much I've learned over the years I've been teaching and possibly never seen myself as a "good" teacher. I finally feel like I know what I'm doing in the classroom. THANK GOODNESS I opened up to a stranger.

What if the frustrated parent didn't come into school to complain about her child missing recess? I wouldn't have realized this child is not telling his parents the whole truth about not using his class time wisely, therefore never completing his assignments, and having the weekend to complete one of them (which he promised he'd do- but didn't) allowing me to address this situation right away at the beginning of the year to prevent future miscommunications. THANK GOODNESS for upset parents.

What if I had a great self image when I was younger and never struggled with a weight problem? I don't think I'd ever know what it was like to conquer something that was life changing, allowing me to be proud of myself. THANK GOODNESS for hardships in life.

"What-if" thoughts, just like the way you approach life, can be positive or negative. My goal is to continue to look at my "what-if" thoughts in a positive light, helping me to appreciate where I am in life, instead of wishing away things that have happened to me. THANK GOODNESS for the ability to choose how you react to life circumstances.