Flat tires. Trees falling on houses. Death in the family. 

Sometimes life throws some unexpected curve balls your way. Often of times, we assume that “the unexpected” is bad. 

What about the good unexpected?

Getting a raise. A job promotion. Getting proposed to. Buying a new car. Those are just many of the good occurrences that could happen in a day. 

Now, what about laying on top of a Porta Potty? There has never been the slightest thought in my mind that I would ever be laying in or on top of a Porta Potty. 

But guess who got to experience it this past weekend? 

It was an interesting experience to say the least.

I was volunteering to support Old Orchard Beach’s second annual history walk. 

I had to dress up as a zombie to fulfill a character’s role of one of the historical stories. 

This story was about the Neme family, whose graves were buried where a restroom faculty was hoped to be built. The story says that if the restrooms were buried on top of the graves, a curse would fall upon the town of Old Orchard. With that, they moved the graves and built the restroom on top of the ex burial site. However, it was never proven if they ever moved the bodies.

Despite the stench of sitting in a Porta Potty, volunteering for this event was a blast!

The adventures I had experienced this past weekend were very unexpected, but it was a good laugh. Not to mention, it will also be something to look back upon in future years to come. 

Even the bad surprises in life can be something to look back upon. Whether it be for learning growth and strength as an individual, grievance, or a nostalgic feel — it can transform you into obtaining the trait of becoming more positive. 

I am fully aware that it is much easier said than done to try to stay positive in a time of distress or tragedy. However, the ability to remain calm and stay patient will become a virtue if you master this ability to stay positive. 

You may be asking, how do I practice this?

One thing that I have learned is that simply getting lost in the beauty of the world will enlighten your spirit. Surely, I am not one that should be giving advice to adults, for I am merely seventeen years of age, but trying this will do no harm. 

The next time you step outside, take a listen to world around you. Focus on the singing of the birds or the rustling of the fallen leaves. Allow yourself to focus on anything from the outside world. Something other than a human voice or technology for once. 

It will most likely create a calming effect. A ripple of joy will travel through your body. It will be admirable. 

With this new found tool, you will hopefully be given the ability to practice patience and positivity. Use this when you experience the unexpected, and you shall be golden. 

Expect the unexpected and do not fear it.

Flourish in the potential of growth as an intellectual. 

Most important, be surprised and be happy.