One month has passed since my silver laptop was stolen and I still remain hopeful for its return.  I was vacationing in Portland, Oregon, on my first solo journey when vandals broke into my vehicle and took several items including my laptop.  Although the incident was very disheartening, I have come to realize many positives for which I am grateful.        

Of these, I am most grateful that I was not harmed.  I am also grateful for the love and support I received from family and friends back home.  They, along with the many kind people who assisted me through the initial hours, helped me to turn a very distressing experience into one that was less overwhelming and more managable. I was very pleased that I was able to continue my vacation despite this setback.      

Other positives I am grateful for, include the fact that I still had my vehicle and all the necessary resources to continue on with my vacation plans.  I was determined not to give any power to this unfortunate incident and as a result, the following 4 days were immensely restorative.  Reconnecting with nature in dense rain forests and natural beaches became the greatest highlights of my vacation.     

Looking back, I am reminded of the importance of being prepared and having back-up plans, especially when travelling alone.  This includes having back-up people as well as knowing emergency routines.  Familiarize yourself with all the essentials in case of emergency so that you are prepared should misfortune cross your path.    

One final lesson is derived from creative problem solving.  Since I lost most of my clothes and backpack that held them, I improvised using a simple container for carrying the remainder of my belongings.  I discovered that Rubbermaid and Samsonite are virtually interchangable for road trips.  They are equally durable and convenient, with Rubbermaid being much more cost effective and waterproof to boot!

Laptop computers come in all colors.  Mine was silver, with a little partially eaten apple decorating its lid.  It was a sleek little computer that performed beautifully and dazzled all of its onlookers, including I.

Last week, my little computer was stolen from my vehicle while I was visiting the Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.  Nothing could have prepared me for the shock I felt when I discovered shattered glass all over the passenger side of my vehicle.  Nothing could have prepared me for the great dismay I felt when I realized that both of my backpacks were missing.  It was like I was thrown into a downward spiral of emotions, sinking deeper by the second.  The irony of the story is that this unfortunate event capped off a magical morning in a place of serenity and exquisite beauty.

Misfortune happens when we least expect it.  It can take our breath away and leave us dazed and confused.  Sometimes, we cannot make sense of what happens in life or control outcomes but we can always control our responses.  Once I overcame the initial upset, I chose peace over anger.  I chose to carry on with my holiday as planned and not end it early.  I mindfully chose to give no power to this unfortunate event or the perpetrators.

Ten days have now passed and I remain hopeful that my computer will be returned to me.  I hope that a good samaritan will turn in my belongings and that Portland’s police system will come through for me.  I hope for a joyful and positive end to this story.

This experience reminds me of how unpredictable life can be.  Sometimes, life presents you with a glorious golden cow and other times, it takes your silver laptop.  Sometimes life is wonderful and other times, it is quite unbearable.  Through challenging times, faith is needed to help carry us through.  Having faith allows us to relax and believe that better days are ahead.  I believe in the power of positive karma and that some good will come of this.  I wait with both eyes wide open.

Ha ha ha!  Ho ho ho!  Have you ever attended a Laughter Yoga session?  If not, you might want to try one because it is one of the best workouts you will ever get!  Laughter Yoga benefits not only your mind and body, but also your mood and outlook on life.  You can try it right now.  Take a deep breath and exhale with a ha-ha-hah.  Vary your exhalation with a ho-ho-hoh and maybe even a hee-hee-heeh!  Before you know it, you will be laughing your way to vitality!

Try to start everyday with a smile to start the ball rolling for a day filled with laughter.  Smile at yourself in the mirror and even let a chuckle come from within.  If the smile just doesn’t seem to want to come on some mornings, relax into the flow of life.  Mindfully practice gratitude and positive thinking.  Eventually a smile will come to your face.  Smile at everyone you encounter and chances are, your smile will be returned.  A smile is the universal language that breaks all barriers and brings unity to all people.  It has the power to lighten up even the darkest of moments in life and bring a glint of light to troubling times.  Smile and the world smiles back at you.

A smile is also the gateway to laughter.  Laughter is contagious.  Have you ever been able to resist joining in on hearty laughter?  Laughter piques people’s interest and brings them together.  Most want to join the frivolity.  Who can argue with good hearty laughter, anyway?