For every action there's a reaction

“When life gives you lemons, paint that shit gold.” – Atmosphere

Life happens. It is not always fair, it certainly may appear not to make sense, leaving one to wonder, “What just happened?” But dwelling is a fool’s game, the only result being a focus on the negative. Instead, when life presents us with a less than ideal situation, we must figure out what good is to be had and expound on that. Upward and onward.

My house was broken into while I was out of town over the holidays. I received the phone call today, on New Years Day, and immediately drove five hours home to evaluate the damage. It is strange feeling uncomfortable in my own home; knowing someone was in there, rifling through my things, my life, and taking what they believe to be theirs.

Some electronics were stolen, but they’re just possessions. Money is gone, but just a lot of change in my piggy. Some inexpensive jewelry is gone, but my favorite ring, my Claddagh ring from Ireland, was left behind. One of my favorite possessions, antique binoculars, were swiped. They stole my US and Ireland passports along with my social security card. No charges on the couple of pilfered credit cards. My cat is safe at my friend’s house, having stayed there over the holidays. My computer, bike and skis are all there. While these scummy people broke into my home, they took the care not to break any doors or windows, locked the door behind them and only left the window open a crack. They didn’t break or destroy anything inside.

Is this an unfortunate way to begin my new year? Yes, of course. However, it could be far worse. I am more than my material possessions and I won’t let a person with bad karma and desperation wear too heavily on my mind or soul. I got a strange feeling the other day that my home had been or was about to be violated. I gave it thought but ultimately cast the thoughts aside, though it remained in the back of my mind. Seems there was something to the premonition, maybe a way of preparing myself for the violation.

Either way, c’est la vie. It sucks but it happens; I can be a victim, waxing a morose tale or I embrace the positives and continue on…I’ll take the latter any day. Welcome, 2011. Here’s to a year of learning, growing and exploring.