Worn Out

We let the kids stay up pretty darn late last night. We didn't go to any organized fireworks displays. We simply watched the numerous displays being set off simultaneously at about 4 or 5 nearby beaches, in addition to all those fireworks being set off by individuals along the beach.

Was it loud? No.
Was it exciting? No.
Was it beautiful? Most definitely yes!

Some members (Ryan) of our group were a little disappointed at first, but when I pointed out that we get to choose how we perceive our surroundings, and then explained what that meant he started to perk up. Instead of looking at what was missing compared to other years' fireworks, he began to look for what was present that we didn't get to enjoy other years (sand, multiple shows, the roar of the ocean, the peace, friends who we haven't spent the 4th with in years, not having to sit in traffic, etc.).

I wish that I had learned much earlier in life that I am the one who decides how I will perceive, and therefore experience my life. It doesn't come naturally, but I now make a conscious effort to perceive things in the positive as often as possible. I hope that I will pass this along to my children.

However, no matter how positively you may view life, sometimes staying up late makes for feeling tired and a little cranky. Water can help sometimes, but sometimes a dose of TV with a side of vegging out is needed!