Waiting For A Tow Truck

"When I can't control the circumstances, I can control my attitude."

                                                                                                                                              --Jan McDonald

I'm waiting for a tow truck. I was so excited to help Friends of Badger Mountain maintain the trail today. I got my garden gloves, made a yummy turkey wrap, filled my water bottle with electrolytes, packed that and some chocolate into my backpack. I put on my hiking boots, went out to my car, put in the key in the ignition and the key wouldn't turn. Oh no, not again! )The picture above is my car being towed in May 2020 because it needed a new ignition then.) 

I tried everything I knew how--jiggling the key, trying to turn the steering wheel--everything they told me on YouTube. I even prayed over it (yes, prayer has worked before.) Nothing.

Crap. Now what? 

I sat paralyzed for awhile, feeling the "why me, why today" sorry-for- myself-self-pity. I wanted to cry. 

Then I reminded myself that I teach this; I may not be able to control what happens to me, but I can control my response. I needed walk my talk.

I googled an auto repair shop. One had 7 five star reviews and I called them. They gave me the number for a tow truck and now I'm waiting.

It's funny, (or maybe not) I didn't know what to write about today. Here's some steps for you should you ever need to wait for a tow truck...or something else unexpected happens to you: 

1. Take a deep breath, drop your shoulders and relax. We can't think straight when we're stressed. 

2. Laugh about it and maybe do some eye-rolling when you've done everything you can do to remedy the situation.  

3. Have a picnic. I had to do something with my turkey wrap, drink and chocolate. I went out to my back porch and feasted. 

4. Do something productive, rather than sit and stew. Not only am I writing, but I'm doing some laundry. 

5. If you are a person of faith, pray. I'm praying for the most inexpensive outcome and that they can fix it today. 

Same day car update: The tow truck driver was able to get it to start by viciously yanking on my steering wheel. After paying him a huge roadside assistance fee, I drove my car to Advanced Auto in Pasco. They had my car in the shop for about 45 minutes. The tech came out, explained to me why ignition keys won't turn sometimes. He then told me in detail how to prevent that from happening again. My ignition looks great and so does the key. He added some graphite to make it work more smoothly. 

When I asked how much I owed them, he replied, "No charge. It was nothing." I cried happy tears. AND step #5 works. 

Joyfully typed,

Jan

Jan McDonald
Maxwell Leadership Certified Team