Yesterday was one of those days.
Even though I did not get to bed until 3 AM, I was up a little after 8 AM.
Not only did I have time to write, but I was able to spend time getting caught up on family matters.
There is a lot coming up this year and staying up to date with all the plans is very important to me. Even the discovery of a mouse or possible mice, in the house, didn’t dampen the day.
We are on 5 acres out in the country. From our back deck, you can see the mountains of the Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail. Even though we have the deed, the land belongs as much to the rabbits, deer, raccoons, bears, coyotes, and yes, even mice. So, in winter, we can get visitors.
READ MORE: The bear came back last night
Before learning new coping skills, this could have sent me into all or nothing thinking.
It’s the story of the more you try, the more you want to try. I’m reminded of the children’s book we used to read a lot, “If you give a moose a muffin.” With my new tools to combat unhelpful thinking, I can remind myself that I already have a professional who comes out every other month to check for these types of creatures.
And by calling in a professional, I can let him do his job and take care of our mouse intruders.
Before learning these new skills, I would feel 100% responsible for the mice problem. “I should have checked for any entry holes in the foundation.” “I should have put down traps, I should have kept the birdseed in a different bucket, and the dry food storage in the basement should have been better protected.”
In the past, a mouse problem would have me “shoulding” all over myself.
But now, I just make a call. I have a professional I pay just to solve these types of problems. I do not have to should on myself or take on 100% responsibility for mice getting into our house in winter. Not loading up all this mouse problem onto my back and carrying it with me is very freeing.
READ MORE: Here I come depression, it’s time you moved along
Yes, I have cleaned up some mice poop.
And yes, we have made some changes in how we store dry food that may be a potential mouse attraction. But I am not carrying around the responsibility for the mice getting into the house or the need to be 100% responsible for getting rid of them.
I made the call and got some professional advice.
And, he will be coming out in a few days to bring his professional expertise and skills to the situation. Problem solved! And that was all before 10:30 AM yesterday. The early success carried over into the rest of my day.
My day job went well, and I felt in control.
Even the ride home last night was a success. Two deer shot out of the woods as I traveled one of the back-country roads that lead to our home. I saw the first one and anticipated more. Immediate braking, I was nearly stopped when the second one came screaming out of the woods attempting to follow her companion across the road before my truck passed.
The deer and I danced on the darkened country road, me bowing and she curtseying as we passed.
Unlike the encounter, I had last November, this time we both escaped unscathed. She went on into the night with her companion, I and drove the rest of the way home, happy in the knowledge neither of use was going to need first aid. We were both 100% responsible for our own actions.
Arriving home, there was one last treat.
My wife left me a plate of mini tacos and mini crab cakes for dinner. So, at 1:30 AM this morning, I was checking my email while eating a late dinner. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
And it was all because I have new skills. And did I mention my new attitude?
How did yesterday treat you? Any rainbows?
My concealed depression is written under the alias “Depression is not my boss.” I have certifications in SMART Recovery and am a Global Career Development Facilitator.
Last year, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
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