Slice-of-Life-graphicDriving on our loop frequently becomes a social experiment. This morning, as I drove home from the gym, I noticed people’s tendency to unconsciously go the same speed as the person in the next lane. I came up behind a black truck traveling a good 10 miles below the speed limit whose driver seemed in no hurry. However, being tired and hungry after a grueling workout, I WAS ready to get home, and so I moved over in the left lane to pass him. As I increased my speed, he stayed right with me until I gunned it a little to get ahead of him. As soon as I was ahead of him, he must have looked at his speed because he immediately slowed back down to sub 60mph.

In moments like these, I like to use a little self-talk to change my perspective of a situation that could irritate me. As I exited and drove the rest of the way home, I asked myself how many times I unconsciously adjust my attitudes and actions to those around me. Of course, unconsciously adjusting one’s speed to the flow of traffic isn’t a character flaw, but if I unconsciously adapt my actions and beliefs to those around me, I have forfeited an important part of myself.

I have noticed this forfeiture of personal beliefs more lately as the current political climate of hostility and rejection of the “other” has seeped into places I once felt welcome and comfortable. When did it become so easy lose sight of that “other” as a fellow human struggling to make sense of the world in which we live?? I wish there were a reset button somewhere. Maybe we could once again try seeing others as fellow travelers in need of some kindness and comfort from us. As for me, I’ve made a fresh commitment to be the change I wish to see and seek out ways this week to show kindness and compassion to others I come across.

This song seems appropriate to my post this morning. Enjoy!