Do you ever have moments when everything feels like a mess because of things you've experienced or are currently going through? Has someone done something to you or you to others, and when mentioned, they say, "Shit Happens." This can make a person mad based on their mindset; however, it's true. A few weeks ago, as I finished taking care of some business, I pulled up to my house to see my husband sitting in the driveway. My eight-year-old walks up to the car, and he says, "Mom Amare wants you in the calmest voice. In my mind, I was like, what does he want? He could've just asked his dad, but I knew why I was chosen after I walked through the front door. I was instantly greeted by what sounded like Niagara Falls, and I thought I was about to faint and go to glory. Baby, honey, chile water was rushing from the ceiling as I was on the phone with my brother. I flew up the stairs without thinking because I knew the source of the mess was upstairs. I told my brother gotta go, and as soon as I turned the corner, both kids were in our bathroom trying to clean it up. I'm talking about every towel and comforter in my linen closet—the good ones, the bad ones, and the ones that look sad. The boys looked at me as I said, "What happened in a not-so-calm tone"? I was told the little one and the toilet had a fight, and well, we know who the winner was. Water was everywhere and now traveling into our bedroom, which has carpet. Let me keep it real, I was hot under the collar because they have a bathroom, but nope, he wanted to sit his little round brown on our toilet.
I removed myself from the situation until I could talk it out and find the solution to the mess. I finally got cool under my collar because the reality of the problem was nothing I would've said or done would change the situation. I told the boys they would be the ones to clean it up, not me or their dad. I provided them with everything they needed, and they would have to figure out the solution to fix the mess. Honestly, I came behind them to bleach down everything because their cleaning is questionable on a regular day. I just wanted to do it myself; however, I wanted them to see that if you make a mess, no matter how bad it is, clean it up. Yes, the little one made the mess, but the oldest knew and didn't seek help. I proceeded to reach out to our insurance company and file a claim reluctantly because I knew what the consequence would be. Two water claims in a little over a year; in the insurance world, that's a DNR (Do Not Renew) next renewal, but oh well, becauseShitit happens. I had to shift my mind and focus on the positive and not the negative. The negative was that we must find contractors, have missing flooring, a hole in our ceiling, and new insurance soon. The positive is that there was no loss of life, and now we get to remodel half of our house's upper and lower half. I couldn't stay mad even if I wanted to because I had to take a moment to reflect on all the messes I had caused my parents and loved ones through the years. We all have created messes in the lives of others or ourselves. The way we did it was sometimes as subtle as my youngest or drastic; however, it didn't change; we made a mess. When it happens, it feels like it's pouring out from every direction, and we rush looking to find out the source of it to prevent further damage, but it's too latShithe shit has already hit the fan, and we always want to be able to find the source. The only thing we can do is find a solution to fix it, which will look different in every situation. If a solution is not found quickly, the mess will get worse, and eventually, more things will happen, causing it to be hazardous. If you do it promptly, the restoration will be more straightforward, and the clean-up will take less time, but however you do it, it will cost you something. The "Something" may be putting your pride aside, having a conversation when you don't want to, visiting a place you avoided because you felt you weren't ready, or forgiving yourself for allowing things to flood your thoughts longer than they should.
In conclusion, "Shit Happens," and how you handle the mess determines the outcome. Find a solution early on and tailor it according to the size of the mess. Refrain from walking into it thinking the source will be identifiable because you will set yourself up for failure. When it's not, be prepared to find a solution regardless so the mess doesn't cause you to be a mess. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a Shitty mindset because you can't get past the smell of things and what the damage looks like.
I challenge you today to figure out how yoShitll find a solution when Shit happens!
Ask yourself these questions.
What messes have you created that you have left for someone to clean?
Are you a person who is stuck on how the mess was created, or are you looking for a solution?