Life is a work in progress. No one is perfect. Not me. Not you. Therefore, we are all walking a journey or a pathway to betterment, whatever that may be. For me, I choose to walk a pathway to betterment that requires self belief, positive thinking, prayer and forgiveness. I should probably add patience to that mix. These are the qualities that I am constantly working on and the easiest to lose sight of for me in times of hardship.
To be truthful, I hate conflict and rows. I am more likely to take the blame for something I didn't do in order to keep the peace. In an argument, I will often say sorry just to make it stop. But there are times when the iniquities and injustice of situations back me into a corner and I want to come out swinging. I hate having words put in my mouth that I didn't say, and I hate seeing others place trust and wholehearted belief into someone that hasn't proven themselves worthy. Sadly, this seems to be a constant frustration that won't end anytime soon.
In my journey, I do my best to be the best mom, best friend, best person that I can be. I taught Sunday School today and talked about responsibility and I think I needed that conversation with my grade 3s today. We talked about bullying, looking out for others, responsible actions at school and at home. The conversation included areas that are grey and how to determine what responsible actions look like when you feel you are going to get into trouble anyway. I don't think it gets any easier as an adult either.
For example, I feel I have a responsibility to those people that I deal with daily. There have been so many small and large disasters from floods, broken boats and cars, dental surgery, ending of school, renovations delayed. You name it, it seems to have been on the agenda this year. I know that there is much to be thankful for but instead, I noticed how stress got to people and I can't say that I am always impressed with the responses. I am doing my best to be positive and constructive but feel unheard so am left wondering what the point is? To say thank you? Is that so hard? To obey instructions? Is that difficult? To give an honest answer to questions? To send parts on time? To call when you say you are going to?
I think I am slightly disillusioned as I built this year up in my own mind as going to be better and more amazing than last year. I had a few glitches last year that I was looking forward to being so last year...and this year...it feels like God has decided that I need more teachable moments. (I am done...really done with these...Job has my sympathy) I know that I am fortunate in my life and have many blessings. I am watching the news in my province with disbelief and just hoping that it ends soon. The whole world seems to have water issues. However, to be honest, this has been a tough year to date - it seems to be one thing after another. Being able to be positive and find the bright side is definitely work, but it needs to be done.
Positive thinking is necessary despite everything. This thinking lets you encourage others and support them. It helps you to find the good in bad situations and it enables you to be able to reach out to others. Whether it is humor or quiet support, a smile can go a long way towards healing. While it is OK to think that things suck, I think it is equally important to be quiet and listen to the words around me. I need to know what everyone is thinking in order to help effectively and be the positive influence that I want to be for me and my circle of people. With that in mind, I am going to choose to hope that people will continue to learn and grow.
Tomorrow is a brand new day with no mistakes in it yet - Anne of Green Gables.
Lets go with that and go to bed.
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label people. Show all posts
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Monday, April 9, 2012
Being Yourself
Sometimes the world goes around in circles. You are told to be yourself while at the same time being considerate of others. The question is to do what comes naturally? Or to do what people tell you to do?
Have you ever watched children at play. At the heart of the matter, they want to have fun and play. Each of them have their own ways of interpreting what is fun and what is meant by play. Problems inevitably arise but normally, there is a verbal give and take until a consensus is reached. Ruffled feathers are soothed and forgotten about within a few minutes of a disturbance. Children are themselves, as they don't have the filters on their roles in life yet. It is refreshing and unique.
One of the phrases that I have taken to heart for this year is "I am me". For me, this is a reminder to be myself and to remember what it is that I like, that I value. This reminder is to be the best "me" that there is the power to be. Does this mean that I get to instill my will on others? Realizing that my actions have impact on others is one thing. Deliberately forcing people to accept my views and opinions is another matter entirely. I have often been informed that I have done stupid things with good intentions. But at least I know that my intentions were good at the time. I believe that I need to try to accept other people's view points for who and what they are as they are important. That does not mean I have to agree.
Throughout our days, there are people that are constantly in and out of our circles of influence. My goal is to enjoy them fully. I appreciate humor, energy, enthusiasm, imagination, and even dress up clothes on the cat. I like the adults and the children. Everyone is so unique, and it fascinates me that not one person on the planet thinks the same way I do...or even looks just like me. (Don't you dare suggest that is probably a good thing.)
For me, I am me is a good reminder to not step back in the box that other people have created for me. If I want to be in a box, I should be the one to build it. Likewise, I need to stop trying to fit other people into my box. Just because my opinions, values and interests are different, doesn't make any of us bad people. It does make us different and being unique is just fine thank you. If other people don't understand, their problem...not mine.
So...another thought that was germinated by a missed friend in Calgary...just in case you wondered if I was paying attention...I was. We each (and so do many of my friends) have children and adults in our lives that are fearfully and wonderfully made...just as God intended. No one is a mistake. Everyone is belongs and is supposed to be here in order to create the life lesson journeys that we are supposed to.
And on that note...I have rambled on enough...my pillow is nagging at me.
Have you ever watched children at play. At the heart of the matter, they want to have fun and play. Each of them have their own ways of interpreting what is fun and what is meant by play. Problems inevitably arise but normally, there is a verbal give and take until a consensus is reached. Ruffled feathers are soothed and forgotten about within a few minutes of a disturbance. Children are themselves, as they don't have the filters on their roles in life yet. It is refreshing and unique.
One of the phrases that I have taken to heart for this year is "I am me". For me, this is a reminder to be myself and to remember what it is that I like, that I value. This reminder is to be the best "me" that there is the power to be. Does this mean that I get to instill my will on others? Realizing that my actions have impact on others is one thing. Deliberately forcing people to accept my views and opinions is another matter entirely. I have often been informed that I have done stupid things with good intentions. But at least I know that my intentions were good at the time. I believe that I need to try to accept other people's view points for who and what they are as they are important. That does not mean I have to agree.
Throughout our days, there are people that are constantly in and out of our circles of influence. My goal is to enjoy them fully. I appreciate humor, energy, enthusiasm, imagination, and even dress up clothes on the cat. I like the adults and the children. Everyone is so unique, and it fascinates me that not one person on the planet thinks the same way I do...or even looks just like me. (Don't you dare suggest that is probably a good thing.)
For me, I am me is a good reminder to not step back in the box that other people have created for me. If I want to be in a box, I should be the one to build it. Likewise, I need to stop trying to fit other people into my box. Just because my opinions, values and interests are different, doesn't make any of us bad people. It does make us different and being unique is just fine thank you. If other people don't understand, their problem...not mine.
So...another thought that was germinated by a missed friend in Calgary...just in case you wondered if I was paying attention...I was. We each (and so do many of my friends) have children and adults in our lives that are fearfully and wonderfully made...just as God intended. No one is a mistake. Everyone is belongs and is supposed to be here in order to create the life lesson journeys that we are supposed to.
And on that note...I have rambled on enough...my pillow is nagging at me.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
In Transit
Currently, I am relaxing after a sleepless night in the air. I am watching the sun rise over a fleet of white and red Air Canada planes. Now, I am aware that my sleepless state induced weird imaging and crossed wires in my head, but honestly, the behaviour of some people that I am watching bears commenting on. So...here is my random reflections of people in transit.
1) Hooliganting with my lady with wheels...she decided that her van was too thirsty to continue and so we stopped for gas on the way to the airport. In the stall ahead, a gentleman gets out of the vehicle. He pulls on a pair of gloves. He removes the handle and then puts in back. He removed a glove and got out his credit card and proceeded to try about 5 times to get the machine to fill. The gloveless hand pushed the buttons. Then the glove went back on. He again removed the handle. Then he realized he had to open the gas tank. Off came the glove, and he opened the door and popped the tank open. The glove was shoved back on and the fueling process began. Meanwhile the other hand only had a glove half on and off. Once complete, the gloves were both removed and then placed back in the vehicle. Then, gloveless he had to go inside to pay. I was fascinated. (For the record, at this time most people left without their receipts which have money attached to them so I jumped out and collected them all for the whopping $5.00 that madame chauffeur now has in her van.)
2) The gentleman on the plane. I use that term loosely. He sat in the seat ahead of me. Everyone was trying to sleep on this midnight run. I even think he was attempting to sleep but I don't think he was successful. He wiggled and bounced. He turned his light on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off....get the idea? He managed to tilt his seat and whack me a good headache in the process. He snored and passed odorific gas. I know it was a three hour flight but really...I could have used a nap. Just saying...and a nose plug.
3) If you know that you have an early morning flight, wouldn't it make sense to set an alarm. I am in Toronto and the number of people that seem to have forgotten that they have to be at the airport in enough time for security is fascinating. I have seen parents racing ahead of their children, only to get to the desk and realize that the four year old pushing the stroller has wandered to the wrong gate. Really? You are already late. Perhaps you may wish to leave your child but legally it does still belong to you and possibly should be processed as checked baggage. There is the old lady wheeling her chair with her bag attached and hollering "hald that pleen plis. I can't just get my feet werking rit." She was round and shuffly. For the record, they held the flight. Sitting by the San Fransico gate, they had a full flight until 16 people didn't show. How can 16 people sleep in that much? Of course, they have shown up late and are now having a massive rant at the ticket attendants. The thing is...if they were connecting and missed, I would understand. I've been there and it's not fun. These people just figured that the plane would wait while they got a bit more sleep...or something. And why yell at the people that you want to help you? Air Canada is fairly competant for the most part (Don't get me started on my experiences with some other airlines who oversell flights - you know who you are.). Next flight to this gate is Miami...I wonder what will happen with that.
4) This is an airport with moving sidewalks. I have always thought that they were fairly easy to negotiate. Today, I am convinced that I was born with a natural flair for walking on them with style...suitcase following behind me. There have been people that trip over the edges. There have been people that leave their suitcases at one end. There have been those that miss their footing on the dismount. There are of course children trying to run the wrong way (secretly I think this might be fun.) There have been wardrobe malfunctions and jostling shennanigans. Perhaps putting your shoes on at security for running might be a good idea. Socks seem to get stuck to the moving ramps.
5) If you know you want coffee, add in the additional time. This is the secured homeland. Security takes time but of course, being Canadian, you almost can't have a morning without your Tims or Starbucks. The lines for these places were out the door. And then, you get the pushing and shoving for people to get out of the place and try to run for the gates without spilling their beverages. Two have hit the floor so far! Plus, factor in the bad language over the time it takes to get a coffee. I am starting to think that the world has few morning people in it but wait...
6) At the secured check in where you pretty much have to remove everything from yourself and stand in the shuffle to get through security, there was a Jamacian sounding man that sang his instructions to people in the happiest reggae beat. He was partnered by a loud, personality princess who managed to make her instructions entertaining just by changing the tone of her voice. Even when people were not understanding her, she didn't lose her cool. She just kept repeating her messaging over and over. I was impressed. I will never be that happy in the morning.
So, now I am going to prowl facebook and scope out more episodes. People watching is sure interesting. From the couple snuggling across from me and who are totally asleep, to the business people frantically getting in that last phone call and email, to the shoe shiners waving down victims and the bright sunshine coming in the windows...I think it will be a great morning. I have time for the Tim's line up...perhaps I should get caffeine dose number three.
1) Hooliganting with my lady with wheels...she decided that her van was too thirsty to continue and so we stopped for gas on the way to the airport. In the stall ahead, a gentleman gets out of the vehicle. He pulls on a pair of gloves. He removes the handle and then puts in back. He removed a glove and got out his credit card and proceeded to try about 5 times to get the machine to fill. The gloveless hand pushed the buttons. Then the glove went back on. He again removed the handle. Then he realized he had to open the gas tank. Off came the glove, and he opened the door and popped the tank open. The glove was shoved back on and the fueling process began. Meanwhile the other hand only had a glove half on and off. Once complete, the gloves were both removed and then placed back in the vehicle. Then, gloveless he had to go inside to pay. I was fascinated. (For the record, at this time most people left without their receipts which have money attached to them so I jumped out and collected them all for the whopping $5.00 that madame chauffeur now has in her van.)
2) The gentleman on the plane. I use that term loosely. He sat in the seat ahead of me. Everyone was trying to sleep on this midnight run. I even think he was attempting to sleep but I don't think he was successful. He wiggled and bounced. He turned his light on and off and on and off and on and off and on and off....get the idea? He managed to tilt his seat and whack me a good headache in the process. He snored and passed odorific gas. I know it was a three hour flight but really...I could have used a nap. Just saying...and a nose plug.
3) If you know that you have an early morning flight, wouldn't it make sense to set an alarm. I am in Toronto and the number of people that seem to have forgotten that they have to be at the airport in enough time for security is fascinating. I have seen parents racing ahead of their children, only to get to the desk and realize that the four year old pushing the stroller has wandered to the wrong gate. Really? You are already late. Perhaps you may wish to leave your child but legally it does still belong to you and possibly should be processed as checked baggage. There is the old lady wheeling her chair with her bag attached and hollering "hald that pleen plis. I can't just get my feet werking rit." She was round and shuffly. For the record, they held the flight. Sitting by the San Fransico gate, they had a full flight until 16 people didn't show. How can 16 people sleep in that much? Of course, they have shown up late and are now having a massive rant at the ticket attendants. The thing is...if they were connecting and missed, I would understand. I've been there and it's not fun. These people just figured that the plane would wait while they got a bit more sleep...or something. And why yell at the people that you want to help you? Air Canada is fairly competant for the most part (Don't get me started on my experiences with some other airlines who oversell flights - you know who you are.). Next flight to this gate is Miami...I wonder what will happen with that.
4) This is an airport with moving sidewalks. I have always thought that they were fairly easy to negotiate. Today, I am convinced that I was born with a natural flair for walking on them with style...suitcase following behind me. There have been people that trip over the edges. There have been people that leave their suitcases at one end. There have been those that miss their footing on the dismount. There are of course children trying to run the wrong way (secretly I think this might be fun.) There have been wardrobe malfunctions and jostling shennanigans. Perhaps putting your shoes on at security for running might be a good idea. Socks seem to get stuck to the moving ramps.
5) If you know you want coffee, add in the additional time. This is the secured homeland. Security takes time but of course, being Canadian, you almost can't have a morning without your Tims or Starbucks. The lines for these places were out the door. And then, you get the pushing and shoving for people to get out of the place and try to run for the gates without spilling their beverages. Two have hit the floor so far! Plus, factor in the bad language over the time it takes to get a coffee. I am starting to think that the world has few morning people in it but wait...
6) At the secured check in where you pretty much have to remove everything from yourself and stand in the shuffle to get through security, there was a Jamacian sounding man that sang his instructions to people in the happiest reggae beat. He was partnered by a loud, personality princess who managed to make her instructions entertaining just by changing the tone of her voice. Even when people were not understanding her, she didn't lose her cool. She just kept repeating her messaging over and over. I was impressed. I will never be that happy in the morning.
So, now I am going to prowl facebook and scope out more episodes. People watching is sure interesting. From the couple snuggling across from me and who are totally asleep, to the business people frantically getting in that last phone call and email, to the shoe shiners waving down victims and the bright sunshine coming in the windows...I think it will be a great morning. I have time for the Tim's line up...perhaps I should get caffeine dose number three.
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