Hey, Don Kuhl. You’ve been screwing up. At 73, now is the time to accept your frequent blunders and make the most out of the consequences.
Great example: I was recently in Orlando, Florida, for a conference, staying in the ugliest motel of all-time because the host hotel was fully booked weeks earlier. My room had a lumpy bed and one chair that survived the 1970s. The soiled curtains did not cover the width of the dirty windows looking out on a swimming pool that was closed for repairs. The yellow walls had no artwork other than a weird poster of a golf ball floating in tomato juice. My next-door neighbors were cheering on some soccer game. My limited Spanish made me think they were running out of beer. It was 10 in the morning.
So obviously, Don, you made a poor choice in selecting a motel.
My mood became one of self-loathing. I could have booked a room earlier at the Hilton across the road. Why did I wait so long? My next thought went to my friends and colleagues who undoubtedly were enjoying the luxurious amenities at the beautiful Hilton: warm cookies upon arrival, large walk-in showers and plenty of plush white towels.
The new me, however, recognized these facts: I saved nearly $100, I had the opportunity to walk each sunny day to and from the conference and I met a great couple from Michigan whose three children were having the time of their lives while wearing Mickey Mouse ears.
With the right attitude, my world can be a magical kingdom.