The Boomerang Effect

Have you ever noticed when you decide to make a momentous change, life has a way of trying to push you back into your old ways?


You start a diet and a co-worker brings in brownies.
You vow to spend less money, and there's a sale at Target.
You promise to forgive and forget, and you're faced issues you didn't even know you had!


It's the boomerang effect.  And now that you know it exists, it should make it easier to plan for it.  Let's face it, God has a sense of humor, and I think He's testing to see if we're serious by what we choose.  


For instance, here is a list of things that happened just yesterday (keep in mind I'm trying to keep the past in the past and forgive myself or anyone else.)


Get to work at 9:00 am; everything is hunky dory.


9:15 am:  I never did a Regional Number sign up.  The coaches have to send out last minute emails to their parents reminding them that it starts at 4 pm... that day.


11:00 am:  UPS guy shows up without my rushed order for a boys basic skills costume.  Apparently, I didn't know he was a boy when I ordered him a girls costume.  Nice.


Noon:  I realize I'm the worst friend possible and forgot to wish Linda a happy birthday.  Ping!


1:15 pm:  While setting out the costumes, I realize that I ordered the boys pants and not shirts.  I never order pants, and only order shirts for the show.  This should be interesting.


5:20 pm:  I realize that I also forgot to order skirts for one of our other numbers.  They have leotards, but no skirts.  Happens to be the same group with vocal parents.  They are kind, but make no mistake, I'll have to fix this today, and for the tenth time, I know they want hot pant shorts instead of the skirt.  I.  Get.  It.


9:30 pm:  Yes, I'm still at the rink and trying to close the registers.  Something goes wrong, and I can't for the life of me figure out why only the concession register is showing up on the report.  I can hear Jess in my head saying "What the hell?" and I begin to beat myself up.  


10:00 pm:  I get home, crack a beer, and cry.  


I was able to get through the entire day until that point.  Sure, I was frustrated at times, but everyone around me was able to sympathize or at least understand.  But for some reason, closing did me in.  

I went to bed and really thought about the day.  Sure it had been hell, but I handled it.  The only thing that was really bothering me was closing, and it dawned on me ~ Closing is not my thing!  Numbers are not my thing.   And while I so desperately wanted to do a good job for Jeff, I at least did the best I could.  I'm not going to be that person that 'does' everything well.  I am good at a lot of things, but I need to remember my limitations, and forgive them too.  


Today, the sun is shining, I don't have to work till tonight, and I am writing.  All is well.  I called Debbie last night and told her she may have a puzzle this morning, so I am just going to do my best not to worry about what I did, or what they'll say.  I know it'll bug me for a bit, but I will do my best to let it go. 


Thanks for the wake up call God.  Maybe next time it doesn't have to happen all in one day, and for the record, I'm not giving up.


I certainly hope you all have a great day!