The real test of optimism...and I have failed.

My optimistic attitude has been in the pits this week. Monday I was in a car accident trying to get out of my own driveway. A girl came around the blind curve just as I pulled out and hit me. It totaled our green GMC truck...the "brand new engine-new transmission-new dual exhaust-paid for" GMC truck. And to add insult to injury, I got a ticket and the accident was considered my fault. Since we only had liability on that truck, we get no money at all to try and replace it. And just when we were really getting going on our debt elimination plan too.

My mantra for the week has been "at least I wasn't hurt." And many people have reiterated this sentiment and I have agreed many times over. Yet still, my heart is heavy and I am wallowing in self-pity. I have had headaches and felt a general malaise and deep melancholy all week. I've been outright depressed about the whole affair and am really having a hard time shaking it. I've had trouble sleeping. I feel like I'm stuck in a quicksand pit of negativity. I need a proverbial rope to help pull me out. Maybe the only rope that is available right now is time. Time for the self pity to pass and good happenings to replace the feeling of bad karma.

So, my optimism was put to the test this week and I feel like a bit of failure. I admit I'm not even close to being perfect at this yet. Maybe just being aware that you've slipped and are trying to pull yourself up again is a step in the right direction and that can be considered positive? Maybe positivity is not required in all situations? Maybe there are times when a bit of depression is just human nature and it cannot be avoided? That only time can heal some wounds and it is the amount of time that it takes to recover your optimism that really counts? Maybe a week isn't so bad after all.

I still do have some positive news to share. I have been moving ahead with my online dog clothing and accessories business with vibrant optimism! Even when I put "dog clothing" into Google and 38,400,000 hits came up, I just said to myself I can do it better. How many countless brands of jeans are there? And yet still, more jeans come onto the market every day and they sell millions of pairs. There is more than enough business for those who can differentiate with a better product and customer service. Why should mine not be the one to catch on and become the popular choice with dog lovers everywhere? This is my new logo soon to be appearing on t-shirts, business cards, dog clothing tags on all my items and my Web site at TinkleToots.com. Stay tuned for more doggie business updates!