February 12

When I was younger, I was definitely one to panic when circumstances forced changes to my carefully constructed plans.

For example, had Younger Me walked up to my Starbucks this morning and found a "closed due to electrical issues" sign on the door, I would've responded with a mix of panic and frustration. I probably would've become irritable and honestly, it's very possible that that one tiny inconvenience would've ruined my morning.

However, Current Me handled the situation outlined above easily: I shrugged, told Brady we'd go to one over by his school instead, and drove off without another thought. And let me tell you, the no-stress response is so much easier on me than the previously hard-wired high-stress variation.

I know that it's only by the grace of God that my temperament and reactions have changed for the better over time. And I am grateful for that measurable personal growth.