The Other Side of the Coin by Todd Newton

The Other Side of the Coin

"Well, look at the flipside," my mother used to say.  As a young man I always had great difficulty taking that piece of advice.  Now, with a few years under my belt, I pretty much live by those words.

I was inspired to write this article while forcing down an overpriced cheeseburger in a greasy diner somewhere in Oklahoma.  I’m trying my best to get to Tampa but Hurrican Fay is trying her best to keep me away.  Normally a cancelled flight or a car service confusing the dates on my reservation aren’t the types of things that would throw me for a loop…but tonight was anything but normal.  Because I travel over 200 days a year I am a proud card-carrying member of every hotel chain awards program out there.  Surely I’d be able to geta room…somewhere…right?  I mean, "upgrade" is my middle name.  Not tonight.  Tonight I’ll be calling a run down little motor inn home and the sounds of planes, filled wth happy travelers going anywhere BUT Tampa, will replace the sweet sound of my children snoring lightly during their peaceful slumber.

To pour a little more salt in the wound I will be missing an important television appearance tomorrow morning.  As a life coach, this kind of exposure is major for me and my practice.  Being able to tell thousands of people the benefits of coaching in one visit is the best type of advertising there is.

I’m starting to get cranky…very cranky.

But wait…

Who’s voice is that I hear?

"Well, look at the flipside."

Mom?

She’s right.  All too often we fail to look for the bright side.  It just seems easier to wallow in our temporary misery.  I’ve found that with a slight pause and a couple of deep breaths, the bright side is more than happy to reveal itself.

So let’s give it a try, shall we?

Sure, this burger costs way too much, but I’m fortunate to have found a place that was open this time of night and my server really did have a nice smile.

Sure, this motel isn’t offering 600 thread count sheets or putting a mint on my pillow, but it’s clean and I’ll get a hot shower in the morning. Not to mention the nice smile on the face of the front desk clerk.

I won’t have the pleasure of kissing my kids goodnight tonight but I know that they are safe and healthy.  More importantly, they will fall asleep knowing that their daddy loves them…though be it frm 1,000 miles away.

Tomorrow will mark only the third professional committment I have missed…all due to weather.  The network understands.  The appearance will be rescheduled and I will be rested and ready when the cameras roll. 

By sharing this article with me, you have helped me shed a new, much-needed light on this otherwise gloomy day.  I thank you for that.  My thougts go out to those who were affected by Fay in ways that I can never imagine.  To those who may suffer the loss of your home, the loss of work or, worse yet, physical injury, I invite and encourage you to stop and take inventory of the good things.  Your family standing by you.  Your health.  Your strength and strong mental attitude that will carry you through this dark time.

I guess dear old mom was right.  There is always a flipside and when you allow yourself to see it you’ll find it to be as warm as an Oklahoma smile.

-Todd Newton  August, 2008