Waiting In Line

Yesterday everywhere I went I had to wait in line. I waited in traffic. I waited at the department store. I waited in the grocery check out. I waited at the post office. I started to get annoyed. Then I realized, as I stepped into my second line of the day, the way I react to these delays is my own choosing. I was annoyed by the traffic. It was an odd time of day for a back up and I was just beginning my errands. Bummer.  But how earth shattering was it that my groceries get purchased immediately? At the department store the customers ahead of me had coupons and needed price checks. But why was it necessary for me to get hot under the collar while buying undies? I chatted with the gal in front of me. She was buying new shorts in a smaller size so was very happy to share her weight-loss success. And at the grocery store only one line was open for large orders. Sigh. Rather than fume at the checker I chatted pleasantly when it was my turn.Here’s the thing, I did not feel like being pleasant I wanted to fume and fuss in each line and with every delay. But as I drove home after the post office errand I realized I had smiled more and enjoyed smiles in return just because I didn’t give in to being snippy. My go-to reaction when my day isn’t going smoothly is to huff and puff a little. Makes me no fun to be around I am sure. So today I tried a little harder to see it from the other side of the counter, to look in the other lane of traffic.And you know what? It worked. It takes more thought to be kind and I don’t’ always remember to do it but the results are so much nicer. It’s got to be healthier, my blood pressure never went up.