Curiosity

… killed the cat.”

But curiosity also saves my peace of mind. 

By choosing to observe the fascinating creatures that human beings are with a genuine curiosity rather than judgment; it allows me the wonderful opportunities to give grace, patience, tolerance, love, and peace in circumstances that might cause others to explode or worse yet implode. 

I’ll give you a few recent examples in my day so far…

At the grocery store, or food market if you prefer, I am waiting in line for my turn to check out. 

The friendly clerk who looks quite similar to the character Sheldon Cooper from the T.V. series “The Big Bang Theory” but is far more compassionate—assures the customer in front of me that the reason her card is taking so long to process is not her fault. 

He repeats the words like the infamous break-up  line “It’s not you, it’s the machine” to which they both nervously laugh followed by several more attempts to finalize the purchase approval. 

Eventually it’s my turn.  I’ve already uttered my “no worries” “take your time” and “I’m in no rush” in response to the apologies and explanations previously offered. 

I asked the clerk how his day was going and began bagging my food items. 

Next, I said “Hope my card goes through” to which he replied “Oh it will, she was just swiping  it [inserting it nowadays] too fast.  But I couldn’t tell her that” followed by more nervous laughter. 

And sure enough mine went through quickly and efficiently on the first attempt. 

So it would appear that “Sheldon” innocently lied to the lady before me in a benign act of kindness and in a sincere effort to spare hurting her feelings, rather than tell her the truth in a teachable moment. 

I’m CURIOUS… what are your thoughts about his choice here? 

As a non-confrontational personality type myself, I truly understand that type of approach to people and situations. 

But I also wondered to myself, how will she learn how to do it correctly if no one teaches her or points out her error? 

Receiving constructive criticism has never been my favorite. But I’ll admit that it is necessary in order for me to learn, grow, and improve. 

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, helpful feedback from others is essential for my progress both personally and professionally. 

You see, 

We don’t know what we don’t know. 

And unless we’re willing to learn, we will continue repeating the same patterns and behaviors expecting different results [definition of insanity]. 

I mentioned up above that I would site a couple recent examples of people observations today. 

Before I do, I want to encourage you with the hope and knowledge that approaching people, places, situations, and things that are beyond our control in this curious observational way provides great peace of mind, decreasing stress, anxiety, anger, angst, and frustration exponentially! 

Simply take a few deep breaths, say the Serenity  Prayer as many times as it takes; and apply it to your current set of circumstances. 

If any of you have ever cared for an aging parent or other elderly person, then you already know precisely how depressing it can be for them to lose driving privileges and the independent freedom that comes with said privileges. 

The struggle is real. 

Although the Senior may still have family members to take them wherever they need to go… you and I both know that it’s not the same as having that fierce independence you’ve enjoyed for most of your life. 

So this was my other specific example from this afternoon, when I was given yet another opportunity to simply say “okay” and repeat “okay” each time my offers to drive were rejected accompanied by the daily default script. 

The rejection is not personal. 

And I know this to my core. 

If someone took the keys to my Jeep and my husband away;  I would probably keep walking everywhere I could for as long as I am physically and mentally able to do so, but who knows? I might be just as exhausted on every level as she  is IF I ever reach the age that she is presently. 

So I say “okay” often, sit in acceptance, make myself available to be of service as needed, pray a lot and do what I am able to do to the best of my ability. 

Oh and I gratefully appreciate the help of other caring family members who share the burden more than words can express. 

We love, because He first loved us. 

1 John 4:19 

Life is full of choices. 

Choose Wisely. 

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