A Lower Dose of BS

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.