Success For Sail

I read a quote on someone's wall that went like: "I cannot change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails."

The first thought that came to mind was basketball referees. What a classic example of wind that players blame for their troubles. But if you study the types of calls that they make (and don't make), then you can adjust your game to your advantage. Maybe you increase hand-checking on defense, or camp your post players more in the lane, or whatever.

Of course there's application to all the ill winds we face once we rise from bed. The boss who's the most explosive may also be the most apologetic, so remaining calm through the storms projects an even sunnier forecast and deeper reservoir of respect once the clouds clear. Perhaps the traffic lights are longer... why not bring a book along to pass the time? And if the wind is actually blowing 40 mph and you're not sailing, it might be a good time to catch up on some laundry or bill-paying.

Truth is, for those of us who can consistently remember that there is always a sail overhead, we can stop fretting about what's blowing in our face and find reason to smile by focusing upward.