What is going on with Americans these days? Is it me, or does it seem that our patience is getting shorter and shorter? I know we have the drive-thru everything, but what happened to common courtesy? For instance, yesterday I was at the $ Store and was about the third in line, the women at the register bought about $35 worth of merchandise. They were using an EBT card and first had to find it in the purse, then scan it, didn't work the first time, scan it again...had to pay the balance with cash. The total transaction took about five minutes, but you would've thought it was an hour. I could feel the restlessness behind me. People should know by now that when you think you're going to run in and out of a store, that is when the lines are backed up or you get the new cashier. I've learned to give myself plenty of time and just be prepared for whatever comes. So, when it was my turn at the register, I made sure to smile and have a positive attitude. I think the cashier appreciated it.
So, I'm thinking about what has made us so impatient...why are we a society of instant gratification? I mean we want it and we want it now! We have drive-thru everything. Our impatience is growing at an alarming rate...this morning as I dropped DQ off at school there are two lines for the cars and people were constantly switching back and forth, it was nerve wrecking. Let's not even mention road rage.
As I've watched the world around me, I've decided to be a more patient person. I give myself plenty of time to do tasks like grocery shopping, getting from point A to B. I know we are trying to make our days longer by squeezing in as much as we can, but my advice is to SLOW DOWN and enjoy the journey. We are letting the small things take over. The things we think are important probably are not. The older I get the more I realize the value family, friends, enjoying life and just being happy. I find I feel better when I'm relaxed and not rushing around. It feels good to be pleasant to people (especially those in the service sector), they do appreciate kindness and patience. Now don't get me wrong, my quest for patience does not mean that I will be a pushover. There are times when we have to be assertive, but most times we can offer kindness. Being a blessing to others is not always about giving materialistically, but giving of ourselves which includes a smile or a nice word. Think about it...
3 comments:
Stop and smell the roses...on my desk! ;D
Hello QueenBee- I think it is called life!! We can do it. Kids and all.
I feel the same way. When people blaze by me so they can be first at the next red light, I just chuckle and say to myself, "Hope paying for another tank of gas is worth it." Slow down, what's the rush?
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