So I spent over an hour on the phone today to learn that because of a misunderstanding/delay in something regarding my health insurance, I am out thousands of dollars. The details don’t matter (and yes I am appealing.) The point is I was upset. Very upset, actually.

My plan after the phone call had been to get groceries and do the mile walk I’ve recently committed to. Thought about not bothering, but the adult in my head insisted I go.

Five minutes into the walk, I realize I forgot my water bottle. Shit ….. This day keeps getting worse. I can’t walk without my water bottle. Water makes everything better. In fact, there is probably no problem that cannot be improved by a drink of water.

This thought sends my mind spinning off onto all the lists I read on other peoples blogs. 10 ways to make your hair behave. 14 things you cannot live without.

So? What are other things that improve almost any bad situation. Well, a short walk. Like the one I’m taking. Preferably in a beautiful place, like the lake I happen to be walking around. Oh look. There are baby ducks over there. A walk around a lake with baby ducks? Yeah. That improves anything.

So does a deep breath. In on a count of 8. Hold. Out on a count a 8. A couple of more. I’m feeling better now. I smile. An oncoming jogger smiles back. Yes, a friendly smile helps anything. So does a hug.

I’m back at my car now and glad I came. Of the five things I thought of to make any situation better, I’ve just had three of them. Really, the lack of water is my own fault. And the hug, well, it would have been kind of weird given I didn’t see anyone I knew.

I drive home ready to handle the evening. My husband greets me at the door.

“You look like you could use a hug,” he says. This day just keeps getting better.