I hit a bump in the road yesterday. It seemed life was sliding down a staircase, and all I could feel was rug-burn. Misunderstandings and miscommunication piled up; an explosion ensued. I reeled from it, realizing my part in feeding the fire only in hindsight.

My mama always says The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

This morning as I licked my wounds, I sang my heart out to Alanis Morissette’s song, THANK YOU, which embraces all adversity with gratitude. I cried and felt joy and sorrow simultaneously.

Then I found this interview with Alvaro Fernandez about how gratitude can make you happier by 25%. I knew that already, but it was a great reminder. I communicated my apology and gratitude to my friend who was in deep pain, too. We both grew stronger for the experience, then laughed and gave each other a long-distance hug.

Gratitude rules!