Out of nowhere
Oct 3rd, 2007 by Ollie Lind
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Let me tell you a story. I live on a busy road and, as I leave each morning I am faced with a problem. It’s an interesting problem that used to frustrate me as I railed against the ignorance of the drivers who would not permit me to enter the traffic, which is sometimes extremely heavy. My problem was that I actually wanted to turn across the traffic and go in the opposite direction to the heavy stream of traffic going past at a snail’s pace.
Then I clicked. It wasn’t the ‘ignorant’ drivers. It was me. Obviously the message I was sending communicated my frustration. I decided to put into practice what I have been teaching others for years.
Now I ease the car into the driveway and simply sit, well back from the road. I ‘know’ I will get a space soon, so I just wait. Every now and then I catch the eye of a motorist and I simply smile. I don’t ask to be allowed into the traffic stream, I just sit.
Always, within two minutes I am invited to join the stream. I wave and ease the car halfway into the first lane. I then catch the eye of a motorist in the centre lane and am invited into that lane.
I thoroughly acknowledge both drivers and, as soon as the oncoming traffic is clear I drop into a driveway opposite the house , reverse and head off in the opposite direction. Today the driver in the centre lane knew what I wanted and he guided me straight across ( I couldn’t see the oncoming traffic at that point)
I smiled and waved at the driver and he returned my greeting. Help comes out of nowhere, I’ve found. The only change I have made in my approach to this problem is within me. I have decided to be tolerant, allow others to be as they are and, lo and behold, assistance comes from out of nowhere.
I now try, every day, to do some small act of unexpected kindness to another. It’s amazing how it makes you feel.
Do try it.
Regards,
Ollie