Today I Got Free Dessert

Blog by Natalie Jenkins - January 14, 2015

I got free dessert. It was amazing. A fabulously rich chocolate cake drenched in even more chocolate ganache and garnished tastily with fresh berries and a cloud of whipped cream. Wow. Not only were my taste buds in heaven, but I was delighted at dodging the extra $15 the dessert would have cost... So I smacked my lips and ate every last delicious bite.

I almost didn't get this legendary free dessert. I had an unfortunate day- work stress, dinner plans cancelled, nothing in the fridge... Feeling lonely... And hungry. But I said to hell with it, and made a decision to salvage my day.

I wouldn't sit and pout at home, but pick a new restaurant to enjoy.

I wouldn't go to dinner with my friend, but would go alone and enjoy my own company.

I wouldn't drive, but instead walk to enjoy the evening.

At the restaurant, I was seated in a roomy 5-person booth. Instead of being worried about people's perception of me dining alone, I spread out comfortably and ordered the chef's recommendation. I was low key and polite- nothing memorable about my dining experience at all- until the manager stopped by and offered me a dessert.

Although I had closed my tab and protested (ever so slightly), the server’s warm smile and a bit of persuasion convinced me to indulge. Moments later my free dessert appeared!

Different actions, different outcome (free dessert!!). I decided not to obsess on the negative aspects of my day and chose to be happy.

You may not get a free, delicious taste of heaven every time you take a new direction… but that’s okay because you might. Use this possibility to motivate positivity and banish wallowing in a bad day because you never know what is in store for you.

I believe trying something new that day was just what the doctor ordered. That and a big fat chocolate dessert.

What do you do to help turn your bad days into good ones? We’d love to hear on on Facebook and Twitter.