Nothing at All About Chocolate

I've always been a big Stephen King fan and I really enjoyed his latest book - Duma Key. King has such an imagination - he always draws me into his world. In Duma Key, there's a character named Wireman. I think everybody wishes they had a Wireman in their life - a laid-back, wise friend who would do anything for you and you would do anything for. Wireman has tons of great offbeat sayings and advice - he's just a truly wonderful, warm, imperfect character.

One thing about being single and being a speaker, is that I'm alone a lot. I'm okay with this - I love my freedom and independence. But there are times it would be great to have someone to share things with - both the triumphs and the challenges. It's so exciting when a speech really goes well and it's so demoralizing when one doesn't. It's especially lonely when it doesn't.

But I had Wireman. I was sitting in my hotel trying to figure out how I could have given a better speech, what mistakes I had made, when I thought of Wireman. This isn't an exact Wireman quote, but it's close: "Sometimes you do the day, and sometimes the day does you." And it's right - you can't be perfect everyday in every situation. Sometimes all the stars align and you get a standing ovation, sometimes you feel like you missed the mark. It's like the Olympics - sometimes you stick the landing, and sometimes the landing sticks you. All you can do is give it your very best.

I found Wireman's words comforting. I think we're all too hard on ourselves. And let's face it - the speech is over (the Olympics are past, the sales presentation is over - whatever it is you feel you messed up - it's over). I can keep beating myself up about it or I can try and learn from it and move on. So next time you have a bad day or something goes wrong, tell yourself "Sometimes you do the day, and sometimes the day does you." None of us is perfect and it's okay. And tomorrow will be another day!