It's So Nice To Be Nice

The calendar that I keep on my desks reads, “Although we don’t always think of it in these terms, impatience reveals a selfish and often mean spirit, while patience is really an act of kindness.”

I never thought that impatience reveals selfishness, but when I think about my  most impatient moments, I’m usually thinking only about myself and not the needs of others.

When I’m in the car yelling, huffing, and puffing, I’m usually running behind. Either I overslept, took an unnecessary phone call, or sat down to watch an early morning show …it really doesn’t matter. I’m just late. And instead of blaming myself,  I irrationally blame the driver in front of me, who  failed to use their turn signal or who’s driving 10 miles below the speed limit. Ughhhh! I’m getting upset, just thinking about it.

My impatience isn’t only present on the road, however. I often lack patience with colleagues, family members, neighbors and friends. And again it usually involves something I want them to do that they may not necessarily desire for themselves…..returning to school, quitting smoking, or ending a destructive relationship.

In reality it doesn’t matter if it’s personal relationships or strangers on the road, my impatience creeps in when I want things my way and when I fail to think about the other person’s feelings. That driver might be new to the city, ill, or just in the mood to take their time. My friend may have valid reasons for staying with that guy. Even though he’s unemployed and  lacks character, she has that right to date whomever she likes.

People have the right to take their own pace – in school, during the morning commute, or even in relationships. It’s all up to them, not me. I can’t force them to do what I want them to do or to think like me.

So instead of nagging, yelling, or giving all the reasons why they should do it my way, I’ll try to think about their needs, put myself in their shoes, and…….. leave the house on time!