Sometimes I feel like I live in a world full of boorish people.
- Wait staff who chat up their co-workers instead of waiting on me
- Cashiers who hand me my receipt and say, “Here you go!” instead of “Thank you for shopping with us!”
- Drivers who drive below the speed limit in the passing lane on the highway
- People who allow their dogs to use my front yard as a bathroom
But then I examine my own behavior.
- Did I thank the person who opened the door to the restaurant for me?
- Did I smile and exchange a pleasant greeting with the person next to me in line?
- Did I shovel a little extra snow to include the sidewalk in front of my neighbor’s home?
- Did I thank my mail carrier for putting my packages on the front porch instead of just dropping them by the mailbox?
When I find myself annoyed by the outside world, I know it’s time for me to stop and figure out why I’m frustrated.
- Maybe I’m really angry about something occurring in the world that I can’t control and can’t address directly, so I’m misdirecting my angst to people who are in my path.
- Maybe I’m hungry (HANGRY!!) or foods I’ve eaten are messing with my mental equilibrium (Sugar! Aaaaack!)
- …or maybe all the jerks of the world somehow got together and decided to wreak havoc on my day.
Once I’ve figured out my “why”, I take action to try to get myself out of my funk. Often times, I find the fastest way for me to become more satisfied and less annoyed with the people around me is to be grateful. Sometimes it’s not easy. However, I feel the reward is worth the effort.
- I’m grateful for the beautiful blue skies in Colorado.
- I’m grateful technology allows me to work from any place I desire.
- I’m grateful I have the opportunity to communicate with your loved ones in spirit.
Gratitude doesn’t inoculate me from the boorish people of the world, but since I feel “like energy” attracts “like energy”, if I refrain from displaying bad manners and poor behavior, then I’m less likely to come in contact with people who are demonstrating boorish behavior. If I DO happen to run across someone who particularly annoys me, I try to remind myself to be pleasant. Who knows? Maybe my kindness will help them to turn their day around and they’ll be nicer to the next person who crosses their path.
Have a wonderful day, please and thank you!
