After a Justin Timberlake concert Cody and Amber were belted into her Toyota and waiting to get out of the parking structure along with four-thousand other people. During their wait they witnessed an interesting scene: A nearby car had gotten a flat tire right in the middle of the aisle. They were trying to use an automatic pump (some sort of deal that plugs into the cigarette lighter) to fill the tire and get moving. At one point they did get the car moving, but instead of pulling into the first open parking space to sort it out, they kept going in the line – predictably they got stuck again. This time they blocked a car trying to back out into traffic. The passenger in the car rolled down their window, leaned out, and started yelling for them to move. Helpful? Not so much. A woman driving a monstrous SUV started inching her way into a nonexistent spot in the line. The line of cars was not moving at all, but a truck coming down a near-by ramp decided he might be able to help by honking.
Cody and Amber figured they weren’t going anywhere for awhile so they rolled up the windows, put on a CD they purchased while exiting the concert, and talked about their favorite moments from the performance. Security cleared up the chaos in less than 15 minutes and they had a smooth drive home.
If the other drivers had taken a moment to assess the situation they may have noticed the flat tire. Someone might have been able to provide actual help. Pause and look around before reacting or overreacting. When you take time to observe the whole situation you gain a better perspective and can make a better decision. Cody and Amber acknowledged they would need to sit and wait a few minutes. They found a way to make the best of their situation. Letting go of their frustration about being delayed allowed them to enjoy the rest of their evening instead of ruining it.
Once I stopped trying to rush everything I started feeling more relaxed. I drive the speed limit or less and let others go around. I use time waiting in line as my time to think, to dream, to plan, or to simply zone out. For this shake-up, wait in line patiently. Remember, the line giveith and the line takeith away. Sometimes you get through quickly and sometimes you get stuck behind the person who argues about the cost of a two dollar item, has 27 coupons, and wants to pay by writing a check. Forget about huffing and puffing, moaning and groaning, tapping and shifting. Just relax and wait. You will get there when you get there. Use the time waiting to tune in to yourself and your thoughts or to tune in to those around you.