"I'm Better Than I Think I am, Thank you!"

I find myself (once again) mouth-to-mouth with adversity. And let me tell you—adversity don’t use mouth wash! The more I think about it however, the more I realize life itself IS adversity. Especially when you are a parent, yes? Especially when you are a parent of twins, yes? Especially when you are a parent of 3 kids, ages 3 and under, yes?

Still, even when you feel like you’ll never escape the pungent, nasty breath of adversity; it’s never quite as bad as you think it is. Things could be worse—go read about homeless statistics, starving children, etc. We are human (in case you haven’t realized this-- I often forget) so don’t beat yourself up too bad, when you transform into Debbie Downer, Pitiful Patty, or LuLu the Lunatic.

Did you know there are actual real-life principles you can apply to quiet the LuLu the Lunatic in you? A very dear friend of mine named Samuel, once told me that when someone asks, “How are you doing?” during a time of adversity, that instead of answering with, “Crappy,” “Tired,” “Crazy,” or the ever indignant “FINE!” you may alternately answer with, “I’m better than I think I am.” Because really—aren’t you?

I am so used to facing adversity with my cloak of pessimism waving in the wind, that without even thinking about it, I set myself up for failure. Like right now, for example. A recent motorcycle accident has the husband’s left arm in a full cast and left leg in a full, lead-like boot. My 3, 3 and unders are being total—well, 3 and unders. The house might not pass a hazmat inspection. I will not even stoop to discuss finances. Could it be worse? YES. Am I better than I think I am? YES! Am I still assuming the role of LuLu the Lunatic? YES!

As nasty as the word adversity can be—the word expectation is even worse—followed with an “s” expectation should be wiped clear of one’s vocabulary. I had expectationS … oh yes I did! I was going to come home from the hospital with my big girl panties on and I was going to top June Cleaver in the acts of mothering, care taking, house cleaning and cooking. Interesting, considering that two of these things, I don’t really excel at under nonadversity circumstances.

The morals of this story? 1. Always stock up on Listerine prior to an adversity mouth-to-mouth situation. 2. Remove any variation of the word expectation from your vocabulary during times of adversity. And as hard as it might be, when someone asks, “How are you doing?” Put a big ol’ smile on your mug and say, “Why, I do believe Miss Scarlett, I’m better than I think I am!!!!”