My head exploded with confusion, frustration and disgust. Digging through the trash next to a dumpster wearing plastic gloves (What does THAT say about my state of consciousness?) thinking, “This is CRAZY!” Rivulets of sweat trickled down the small of my back in the 104 degree heat.

Where did my car keys go?

In a moment of Zen, I observed my reaction, going ballistic, ready to burst into tears. I kept thinking the situation was stupid. Not that I was stupid. Bent out of shape over mis-placed keys? Why? Because replacing ‘em cost almost $300 dammit. Those cool, little clickers to unlock the car door don’t come cheap.

Yesterday, I came to the conclusion, “Excellent Adventure” needs to be more than a blog, a trip to San Diego or Timbuktu. It must be how I choose to live my life. More courageously. More adventurously. I was supposed to meet a friend to brainstorm ideas. Big changes. Instead, it felt the Universe slapped me upside the head. “Oh no you don’t! You don’t get to think so big. Who the “F” do you think YOU are?”

Two hours earlier I showed up at Starbucks. Got my Venti black iced tea. Took a table around the corner and fired up my laptop. Once done, I put my laptop back in it’s padded bag and reached in my purse before stepping into the blast furnace outdoors.

Wait. Where were my keys? I searched my purse. Soon, I was dumping its contents on the table.

I’ll spare you all the details which includes an employee of Einstein Bagels next door. I’d tossed a cup in their trash bin. There was an off-chance maybe my keys dropped in. She literally jumped into the dumpster behind the store to help me out. Nope. No keys.

My mis-adventure also involved my husband driving across town. We bought my car last year with just one set of keys. He didn’t criticize or judge. He patiently helped me retrace my steps.

Twice I’d asked the baristas if I’d left my keys on the counter. Finally, Ernie asked, “Is it possible anyone got off shift and put my wife’s keys somewhere?”

Several minutes later a young woman clad in a green apron asked, “Are these the keys you’re looking for?” I took ‘em, burst into tears and gave her a hug. I was emotionally exhausted.

Truth is, positive signs keep showing up that I’m on track. A week ago I had lunch with a friend who surprised me by picking up the tab, and, presenting me with a book I wanted. I got a check for $2,000 I wasn’t expecting. Both, great examples of positive manifesting.

Mis-place a set of keys and for an hour it all unraveled.

If you’d like to know what I learned from this experience – keep reading.

• Was uber-upset about possibly spending $300 indicating poverty thinking. I’m not smiling.

• Didn’t beat myself up and say “I’m stupid or crazy” for mis-placing the keys. Only the situation was “stupid and crazy.” That’s a good thing.

• Observed myself getting ticked off rather than completely lost in rage. It didn’t stop my upset, I still went into drama – but I calmed down fast. That’s probably a good thing.

• Grateful but uncomfortable with the young woman helping me out. Didn’t want to accept such gracious help from someone I don’t know. Not so good.

• Accepted Ernie’s help – though at first I didn’t want him to drive across town. I was grateful he wasn’t critical. I would’ve been surprised – it’s not his style. Once again, I picked the perfect guy for me. *smile*

• People were sent to help and I wasn’t completely willing to accept it. Not so hot.

• Wasn’t as persistent as I could’ve been with the Starbucks people who didn’t realize they had my keys. Polite persistence – Ernie’s role – got the job done.

Makes me aware I’m discovering ways to become an excellent adventure – I still have a lot to learn on the journey. How ’bout you?