I was leaning down pulling something from a freezer case in the grocery store, while holding the freezer door open, when an arm invaded my personal space, reaching past my hand, banging my arm and grabbing some unknown food item that apparently was so vitally important to have that very second that ALL common decency and politeness simply flew out the window. (Let it be known, I had been there for 3.5 seconds. I was not loitering, taking up valuable space, or keeping people from reaching their desired food items. Please picture this event - I've opened the door, I'm reaching in, and someone reaches over the top of me through a door I'm holding.)
It was the icing on the cake in a fairly unpleasant day of crappy drivers, rude shoppers, patients who forgot their appointments with me, and pouring, drenching, freaking rain that in itself made me want to hide under a blanket.
But it got me thinking. The holidays should bring out the best in us. Caring, compassionate, courteous, happy. Isn't that what we should be? Instead, I find people out in public being more rude, cranky and crabby. It makes me sad.
It also makes me realize that I can be irritated by it, or go out of my way to make others' experiences more pleasant. Simple things - holding the door, offering a smile or a cheerful greeting, maybe a compliment. Just maybe those little things could be enough to turn someone else's mood around - making our experiences in the world that day a little better for all of us.
Just a thought.
***Ally
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PS - that first sentence might quite possibly be the longest one you read today. Just sayin'.
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6 comments:
OH girl you are a bigger woman then me cause I would have turned around and been so sickly sweet and sarcastic about their rudeness they would have shrunk away with their tail between their legs. Hoping you have a much better week.
Those small acts of courtesy and kindness do go a long ways. Sometimes, though, there's nothing you can do for some people because they are going to live angry lives no matter what. But sounds like you handled that grocery store situation with the grace I had already realized you possess. Don't let those sad people rain on your holiday parade. You got enough rain already, it sounds like.
Have a better day today, my friend!
Hugs!!
I love the reminder. You are kind and beautiful. Thank you for bringing out the best in me.
Wow. This post really struck a chord (nearly brought me to tears). All too often this time of the year brings out the worst instead of the best in people. Good for you for trying to make a point to bringing some cheer to others. I should try this, too. We all should. Thanks for the reminder.
I'll tell you something...I remember pulling into a drivethrough at Starbucks after a horrid doctor's appointment. While I was waiting for my coffee, the barista asked "How is your day?" and I immediately started bawling my eyes out.
And she inquired about what happened.
She listened.
I will be forever grateful for that.
People don't realize how much a simple gesture of kindness can make someone feel so much better.
ah, Kimberly, I love your story. And that it just takes one nice person in a day of assholes to turn it all around sometimes. Look for that one. Or make it be you. I'll bet that the barista also had a good day b/c she paid it forward. Happy Thanksgiving all'a'y'all!
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