Opening the door.

One of the first sayings that we hear as a kid is “when life gives you lemons…”

We are taught to always make the best out of the good opportunities that present themselves.

We want to take advantage of free lemons!

At some point, little Nelson thought about “But what about when we don’t have lemons?”

And big kid Nelson, today, has thought about this yet again.

Beyond thought, going into action – what will we do when we don’t have lemons?

I feel, for almost a year now, I have spent time trying to make lemonade out of all kinds of ingredients.

Some days that lemonade turns out sour – a negative attitude.

Some days that lemonade turns out a bit watered down – time spent in depression.

Some days that lemonade turns out a bit too sugary – anxiety has spiked.

We always expect the lemonade to turn out perfectly.

After all, it is simple enough. right?

We know the ingredients.

We know what to do.

And yet, our progress isn’t linear.

It is very frustrating.

However, yesterday I really made a statement to myself and to others around me that I want to be open about my struggles with making lemonade at times.

Some days, I don’t even get the ingredients out.

But, one thing I do every day is open the door.

Even when it is not opened for me, lemons waiting at the step.

I try my best every single day to be a better man to all things around me.

I need to be better for myself now.

I need the lemonade to not be always for others passing by the stand, but how I like lemonade.

I like my lemonade to be authentic.

My ingredients for my best lemonade are eating the right portions, drinking more water, getting rest, writing, reflection time, prayer, going for a walk, golfing, working hard, giving Kermit (my dog) a hug, speaking to my friends and family…

That’s a crowded glass of lemonade, but I know what my glass should be filled with.

The doorstep won’t always have lemons waiting for you when you wake up.

But I will ALWAYS open the door.

I am not a quitter and I will always try my best.

I need to work on being kinder to myself, knowing I am trying my best, even when it feels like I fall.

I need to work on my active choices, becoming part of my mental and physical routine.

The lemonade will gradually get better.

And the door will always be open.

NS

“I believe a few words can change your day and your life.”