When I travel from Virginia to Massachusetts, a  place where I lived for a good chunk of my life, I like to stay with friends at about the half way point, breaking the drive up to two days. One friend is often away in August, and she lets me use her house. This summer I arranged my trip and on  the day I was to leave was not feeling well enough to embark on the drive.  I postponed.

I had been feeling some hesitation anticipating the vacation before the first leave date. Really, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go.  My out-picturing of the trip had some depressing pieces, and I envisioned some events that I do not want. I was feeling ill, in a way I knew better, but nonetheless.. that’s what I had been running in my mind.  No wonder I felt ill.

The day after I put off the trip I realized what I was holding in my thoughts and made some radical changes. I thought about how much I wanted to see those folks and I reviewed things I love. And I kept it up. The next week I had recovered  and was excited at the prospect of seeing all these beloveds. Two days before departure I phoned to arrange the overnight at the mid point of the drive. I reached the house-sitter who would double check with my friend.

The next morning the call came in– news that the return journey was ok but for the start of the trip ( now the next day) a stay over for me would not work. Whoops!

Into my mind popped a woman who lives about halfway with whom I had stayed at times four years ago. We had not been in touch. I picked up the phone and dialed her number. She answered, saying that she was going to be out the door in one minute. If I had asked to stay with her one day or three days from then, it would not work but the night I needed a place would be fine. She invited me to come along. She found it “interesting” that she was almost out the door and that it was working. She anticipated a benefit to her.

This story unfolded in the last few days. I had a relaxing and restful time in a lovely place with a wonderful person.  Please notice this: I changed my mood just after canceling the trip during the next week. I felt eager and happy at the prospect of this adventure. The “problem” of no place to stay lasted about four minutes! Astonishing how fast the solution flowed into my experience, a resolution that provided a better half way point, more companionship, and better food!

Just before I left she showed me a piece she painted emulating some gestalt about the way she perceives my painting. It was lovely and she wanted me to know that my art had influenced her for the better.

Are you noticing what comes into your life when you feel good? Are you practicing improving your mood on purpose? Please share stories at jpearl@streamofyes.com. Let’s inspire one another!