Laura's Corner
I work very hard and am attending college to obtain my degree in the Human Service field. Writing makes me feel alive and gives me the opportunity to touch those whom I would not be able to otherwise. Last but not least, I have been blessed with two amazing daughters who love me completely and support my dreams. Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns or feedback.
REWIND, BE KIND
Once in a while, usually when it is very quiet, I have a profound thought. Sometimes, I choose to write the thought down. At other times, I am simply interrupted and it becomes a fleeting idea, which is discovered at another time.How many times during the day do you come across the following situations: a driver which is currently experiencing road rage. Customers feeling wronged behind the check out line. Parents losing their tempers with their children. I would guess more often than not. Everyone seems to have less patience now a days. Everyone seems to be in a hurry. What is it
that we are missing in our harried lifestyles?
I have to be honest, I have a couple of pet peeves. Now, these may seem minor, but they still get my goat, so to speak. I believe in helping others. Not so much so to put myself last, but in general, I try to incorporate “small acts of kindness” into my every day life. It makes me feel better to help others. I think this comes from my Grandmother, who is one of the most wonderful people I know. Yet, lately, a couple of things have begun to crawl under my skin. When I am walking down an isle and someone is in my way, I kindly say excuse me, and they usually smile and allow me to pass by. For some odd reason I have not experienced the same gesture in return. One example is when I was recently at the grocery store. I was looking for some shredded cheese. A woman who wished to pass basically stopped her cart and stared. Without saying a word, she continued to inch closer and closer without excusing herself. I did not understand the logic behind her thinking. Why could she just not excuse herself? I can honestly say I did not move because I was not done with my browsing. I guess you can say I was annoyed and did finally move my cart to the side more for my convenience than hers. Another item on my list of pet peeves is when I walk into any establishment. I always look behind me to see if anyone is coming. Even if they are 10 feet or more behind me, I always hold the door until they are able to reach it. So many people lately I guess feel entitled to such a gesture and almost expect someone to wait until they arrive at the door. I can honestly say that 9 out of 10 people never even say “thanks” when it comes to this simple act of kindness.
Although the two above examples may seem minor compared to other infractions, they have gotten to the point of being a distraction in my life. I wonder where basic human kindness and gratefulness has gone. It appears to me that more and more people have seemed to forget the words “thank you”. How often do we smile and say hi to strangers when we are walking through a crowded mall? Ever stop to assist a young mother who may be struggling with her stroller? How about helping someone else's Grandmother by holding the door for her? Even though we are so busy with our own lives, we seem to have lost focus of the hundreds of others we pass every day.
The initial thought mentioned at the beginning of my blog appeared recently in my mind. The words “Rewind, be kind” floated within my mind and I knew I had to write it down. Do you remember not too long ago when your family would rent VCR tapes at your local library or video store? On the front of the cassette, on a silver stamp, you would find the words “Be kind, rewind”. Many times, if you failed to rewind the tape upon return, you would be charged $1.00. This may not seem like a steep price considering late fees today, but it assured some would heed the warning. Remember how long it would take to rewind a tape if you were in a hurry? Maybe 3-5 minutes? I admit many times I rushed out of the house only to be guilty along with the others who did not rewind. I paid the price. And, I did not enjoy it. Did I continue my injustice, of course, but I am sure the video store was able to purchase new videos with my fees as well.
Rewind, be kind, is a different type of application. It is the type of saying which is so hard to forget. I realized lately that if I "rewind", think through the situation, the end result may "be kind". Have you recently been annoyed at another person? Did you take the time to rewind, go back about one minute and ponder? Do not react, whether positively or negatively, simply
stop and think. Rewind, take a deep breath and “be kind”. How about the guy or girl who cut you off on the way to work. You are already stressed out, have been driving through a snow storm and are an hour late. Stop. Don't react. Wait one minute. Take a deep breath. Then, try to be kind. Put yourself in their shoes. How about the clerk behind the counter.
The less than perfect service you may have received? Stop and rewind. Speak slowly and state your case. Do not allow yourself to get angry. Even if this is a natural reaction for you, take a different path. I was recently at a restaurant. Everyone had been served except for myself. The waitress went to get my food and came back quickly. She handed me the plate
and stated “be careful, it's hot”. When she placed the platter in my hand, I felt an instant burn. The plate had been placed under a warmer and was about 120 degrees. I immediately felt tears come to my eyes and was shocked. I place the dish on the table and stated that my hands were burned and wondered why she had handed me such a hot plate. She looked worried and explained what had happened. She was so concerned about her service to me that she grabbed the plate
without thinking and realized half way to the table that the plate was too hot. At this point I could have “gone off”, screamed and yelled, etc, but I stopped. I actually thought more about her hands than my own. I asked for a manager and explained that what had happened was not necessary and I was hoping any future incidences would be avoided. They took my
information and promised to reimburse me in some form or another and I left for my next destination.
Therefore, REWIND, BE KIND, and begin to have a better life. Let's take time to think about the next time we feel we are “wronged”. How about we realize that the one who committed the act is only passing through. They will probably not be a permanent part of your life. You may never see that person again. Why allow a complete stranger to affect your life towards the negative? Let something so minor stay as such. Think about how you may contribute to your own health and well being. Focus on your children, who may not be home much longer. Take time for yourself, your spouse, family or friends. Do not allow one more minute to pass you by. Refocus and begin to see yourself in a brand new light.
UNTIL NEXT TIME AMERICA!
HUMAN TOUCH.... men and women part 2
Does anyone remember the song "Human Touch" by Rick Springfield? Part of the song states, "we all need, the human touch, we all need it and I need it too".
I have been thinking lately about relationships and the necessity of human touch. Studies show that children who live in orphanages usually lack the physical nurturing needed for healthy growth. I have friends who have adopted children from third world countries. Some of these children received the touch stimuli from birth on, and have adjusted well to the American culture. Yet, other stories bear a far different resemblance. I had a co-worker who years ago adopted twin 5 year old girls from outside the United States. The girls had not experienced the same bonding as other children. They had been left in their cribs for hours on end and were given the bare necessities. They were fed, changed, but lacked the interaction which so all children require to connect with others. Unfortunately, even years later, these twin girls were not able to have a loving, trusting relationship with my friend. She felt like a surrogate, waiting for the birth mother to arrive to come in and begin the parenting process.
Energy Assistance
Usually I write about relationships, life, etc, but I thought it was time to step outside my box and write about something new. It may not be new to everyone, but I thought it would be helpful for this time of year.
At 1304 S 70th St you will find Maximus. I am sure many of us have driven down 70th past Greenfield Avenue. Alot of us are used to the structures and really do not pay attention to some of the businesses in the area. Maximus is a place where persons who live in the surrounding areas can go for assistance.
Milwaukee Job Center Southwest
Hi Everyone...
thought I would lighten the mood this time. Hope this brings about peace, love and happiness... :)
