Being Flexible

...and I'm not talking about what you can achieve with exercise. I'm talking about attitude.

I just returned from almost three weeks in Spain, and it was wonderful and amazing and delightful. The weather, for the most part, was perfect. The food, for the most part, was delicious. And the people, for the most part, were friendly and helpful.

The reason I keep saying for the most part was because there were a few exceptions. We experienced a couple of rainy days, ham in too many entrees, and a few residents who were not completely enthusiastic when the group I traveled with converged on them.

It frankly would have been a miracle if there weren't some glitches, yet there were still some travelers who complained, who angered easily and who, rather than roll with the punches, preferred striking out.

I don't get it. When did people start thinking that they should be catered to 24/7? And that if things don't go just as they want when they want it, they're entitled to make life miserable for everyone around them. What happened to serving others first, old fashioned chivalry, or basic civility for that matter?

I've never understood people with unpredictable anger or intimidating behavior. Their selfishness is always so astounding, and for me, unacceptable.

Perhaps growing older has taught me that happiness is a decision. We can choose it or not. And I believe it begins with flexibility and a willingness to accept those things we cannot change.