Sometimes I get things quite wrong. Sometimes that turns out surprisingly well.

[No AI is used in writing or editing this blog. This is human content for human readers.]

This morning as dawn becomes day on a gray morning, I notice that this sweater I’m wearing, a birthday gift from my Traveling Partner, is blue. (I had misperceived it as an olive green when I opened it in dim light). I’m not bothered or disappointed – it complements my nails nicely, and still will after I get them done later today. I’m delighted with the sweater.  I am pleased with the color, and don’t have much in this shade of blue. A beautiful “mistake”.

We all make mistakes. Some big, some so small as to be wholly inconsequential. We grow from dealing with mistakes more than we grow from great decision making.  Just as good decisions can sometimes lead to bad (or unanticipated less than useful) outcomes, sometimes our mistakes lead to some beautiful moments or unexpected good outcomes. Some “mistakes” probably don’t rate that label in the first place; it is easy to confuse a challenge for a “mistake”, especially for those of us who enjoy a low effort low drama experience. 

This morning I’ve planned to make breakfast for my Traveling Partner before he begins work. I realized when I woke this morning that I may be missing an ingredient. I check on my way out of the house, and confirm it. Was it a mistake to plan a weekday morning breakfast? Nah. I’ve just got to stop by the store on my way home from my walk. So… Where’s the mistake? It disappears in the comfortable shift in my plan. Small detail, no bother, not worth being upset about.

I know, I know, there are ever so many mistakes that are (or feel) much bigger than that. I’m not arguing that point, I’m just saying it isn’t necessary (or helpful) to lose our tempers over small stuff. Let it stay small. Hell, I may get to the store and find myself forced to choose an alternate ingredient for this or that – and that might be amazing. I smile to myself, grateful to be adaptable, capable, and willing to cope with change and find beautiful moments in life’s chaos. I remember a time when I wasn’t and didn’t.

…I remember a time when quite a few people in my social circle warned me that they thought my relationship with this person who has become my beloved Traveling Partner on life’s journey was a “mistake”… seems they were wrong 😆…

I take what I thought was a shortcut for this trail, through the vineyard. Now I’m not so sure it’s shorter at all. Hard to be annoyed by that; I am stopped along the way by a family of racoons foraging for something between the rows. The mama raccoon watched me warily while she gets her little ones together and they waddle away – they have no need for an obvious trail. I chuckle with delight and walk on.

… Beautiful morning, no mistake…

The quiet on the trail is pleasant. I’m looking forward to breakfast, and I love this blue sweater. I breathe, exhale, and relax. Feels like a good day ahead and I’m ready to begin again.