“Be proud to support civility! Replace bad feelings with good ones and change your day.”
Dear leader,
It happened again!
On the same journey home, a single woman steps out, this time, on a zebra-crossing.
Without so much of a glance she struts across the stripes with an air of superiority. Miserable crow! No excuse!
Unlike the previous experience, this woman had no ‘chilens’ in tow, no corralling necessary, no struggling, no stress; and certainly, no gratitude for stopping! Just jaunting around with without a care in the world!
But then I realised: why she should? It is my obligation to stop at a zebra.
I don’t get annoyed when I stop at a round-about (two of which lay before me) or a junction to give way to the flow of traffic. Do they wave with gratitude, or applaud with appreciation? Maybe one does, but generally not.
It is the rules of the road and I obey – I may not do it “cheerfully” but it certainly does not elicit negative emotions. Sure, an occasional idiot winds me up because they take advantage or have evidently learned how to drive by playing Scalextric; but on the whole, it is a neutral event.
Stopping for pedestrians at a crossing should be no different – it is still a “road rule!” (Perhaps the difference is that it is just easier to get away with it?)
Note to Self!
When I do what I should do, don’t be surprised if I don’t get rewarded for it. Instead of getting annoyed at not getting acknowledged, take pride in contributing to civility.
By replacing the rise of a negative feeling (angry and disrespected) with the bloom of a positive one (pride for being patient) I can change the outlook of my whole day!
Second Note to Self!
When I next cross a road, make an effort to acknowledge their effort – recall this experience and remember it is just nice to show appreciation.
Besides, it might help them feel good for the day. At least that is if they do stop, of course!
Living life, Learning Lessons!
Live | Learn | Lead
