Out of breath from running to the building from where she parked the car, Lata pushed through the post office door to mail a package just 10 minutes before closing. She considered standing in line for the counter, but it was a long line. She decided to stand in line at the self-service machine instead since there was only one person using the machine and one other person in line. Miscalculation! The woman using the machine continued to produce a parade of envelopes from her bag and repeated the postage process for each one. While Lata was waiting, and eyeing the counter line, a man got in the self-service line behind her. Now Lata was experiencing the classic line dilemma. Stay in the self-serve line and wait or switch to the counter line which appeared, at least for the moment, to be moving? The man behind her switched lines and Lata followed. After a few moments in the counter line the man turned to her and invited her to go in front of him. He said she was in front in the other line and should be in front in this line.
Lata was shocked and happy. It is amazing how much joy we can bring to someone’s life just by being a decent person. Mystery man wasn’t required to allow her to go in front of him, but he did, and it made her day. Refocus yourself on what is happening around you instead of only what is going on in your own life. Check in with your friends and your family. Try to be kind and patient toward those around you. Refocus and start seeing the larger picture instead of only one piece of the puzzle.
I have yet to find a simpler way to clear my head. A little fresh air, some time outside in nature, and suddenly the rest of the day seems like something I can handle. Go for a walk and try to notice something you haven’t noticed before. Maybe a neighbor replanted their garden. Perhaps a new shop is opening in a previously vacant building. The walk doesn’t need to be long. Use it as an opportunity to shift your focus away from your daily life and observe others and your surroundings.