It's the Bad Days that are the Good Days

Normally, I choose to look at something going on in current health pop culture, whether it be a new finding, or a study to comment or think on. Today, I'm going on a totally different track.
All of us have "bad" days, and that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. I think we can all agree that a bad day can definitely be relative. I am blessed and there is something within each day that I can be grateful for, no matter what. I know a lot of you going through chronic diseases may struggle with finding that thing today. If you search for it, I promise, it's there. Today, something really got me thinking.
I woke up with a headache, knowing it was a running day, and overall felt foggy, and groggy. I set it up without even realizing it. I unconsciously decided that it was going to be a "bad" day. I just didn't feel uppity, like I really should have.

I took an ibuprofen, and set out for my run, practically forcing myself. As I started to get moving I realized my IPod was acting up. "Great", I said, just another road block, another frustration. After the first few minutes of my run it was clear to me it wasn't going to be a easy, fun, or fast run. I was going to struggle today.

It really got me thinking. Mostly, I tried to remind myself this really isn't a bad day, but God is throwing me some minor road blocks. I am running, and using my legs and my lungs, that in itself is a gift and not to be taken for granted. Also, I thought about all the people I know and people I don't know going through a much more difficult day than me.
It also occurred to me the road blocks are there for a reason. The "bad" days are there for a reason. The bad days not only allow us to enjoy the good days, but they also test us.
Now, the next time not every little thing is going absolutely perfectly I will know mentally how to handle it. I will be less likely to immediately write the day or the morning off. This is what the bad days teach us.

Ironically, as soon as I realized this things started looking clearer. My run was still horrendous, but I realized I hit the wrong switch on the IPod and got the right playlist going, and the headache was gone. Now I know, my mood is a decision, I can navigate the road blocks, and I am better for learning how.
I suppose I should have learned this by watching my Mom struggle with cancer with a smile on her face. But sometimes, you just have to wait for that moment to pop in your consciousness.
I think a lesson can be learned here. The bad days are the ones that make us stronger, wiser, and more grateful. In short, it's the bad days that are the good days.