The
other day I had the pleasure of getting together with my girlfriends to play
pinochle and have some dinner. While
playing cards we got to discussing some of the Black Friday horror stories we
had heard, many of which involved police officers and fist fights. I shared my own firsthand experience with
some bad behavior I had observed myself at the craft store a couple of weeks ago. This led to further discussion of our overall
discomfort with shopping at all during this time of year. Even the grocery store is not immune to
impatient and crabby shoppers.
The
other day I had the opportunity to put my own attitude and behavior to the
test. I had a set amount of time to get
my errands done before I had to be at work one morning and I had a list and an
agenda.
I
headed to the post office to pick up a book of holiday stamps for my Christmas
cards. The post office wasn't open yet
and wouldn't be for nearly fifteen minutes.
Since Walgreens was close I decided not to waste any time and go there to
pick up a couple items on my list, then double back to the post office.
One
of the items I wanted at Walgreens was out of stock but they had it at another
store and would hold it for me. The
store wasn't exactly close but not too far way either so I decided to head over
there to pick it up. I figured I could
do that and hit the post office on my way to the dollar store.
When
I got to the other Walgreens I found they had pulled the wrong item for
me. The store manager was wonderful and
found the correct item and carried it up to the register for me. Time was ticking. I still had two more stops on my list.
The
clerk at the register was elderly, slow and in a jolly good mood. He wanted to visit with me and share some of
the things he was doing to get ready for Christmas. I started to feel anxious and the need to rush
things along. Then I immediately thought
"no way". Visit with this
gentleman and enjoy it. So that is
exactly what I did and I really enjoyed it too.
By
the time I got out of there and to the car I realized I had enough time to go
to the post office and then head to work with time to spare so that is what I
ended up doing. Rather than rushing to
the post office and rushing through the dollar store I just adjusted my agenda
and went to the dollar store the next day.
I
am so glad I did too because the next day I wasn't rushed as I made my way
through the dollar store and then I was able to chat with the nice clerk that
checks me out regularly. We got in a few
laughs and the guy standing in line behind me joined right in making it a very
pleasant experience.
I was a good reminder for me that we
just need to slow down and take our time with what we do ,but more importantly,
in our interactions with each other, including total strangers. The season is all about joy and good tidings
so if we aren't having a joyful holiday experience it is probably our own darn
fault.
So
while you are out and about remember to be kind, patient and joyful. Smile and have a good time. It’s Christmas!
Good point. Thanks for sharing this. K
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