Courtesy Begins with You

All too often we go out into the world with high expectations of everyone else. We expect that all our needs will be fulfilled when we want them not when our surroundings are ready to take care of our needs. I've seen people exercise impatience at the pharmacy as the pharmacist is answering questions its recipient has about a new prescription. I am sure you have encountered this person as well, huffing, complaining, dramatic sighs, turning around, checking their watch, then finally scanning around to see if someone else is there to help them out. Have you been witness to the aggravated driver behind you who rides the back of your car as to tell you to hurry along, break the law by going over the speed limit all because their business and destination is more important than your safety and the safety of your passengers? Maybe you have experienced someone peeking over your shoulder when you are trying to make a bank transaction. Possibly you have been victim of the quick driver in the parking lot who races into the space you were waiting for ignoring your directional signal then they proceed to give you unkind looks as they race into the store. You feeling deflated them feeling like they won the competition.

We, we, we. We all have been granted the same amount of time. One minute to me is equal to one minute to you. What we do with that time and how valuable that time is depends on how we have carved out our life. I've noticed that many people just proceed without really taking stalk of their surroundings. The phrase it's a dog eat dog world out there often rings in my head. We have to fight for what we want, rather than having our character, professional merits, and reputation get us what we want. One can exercise the best of their moral compass but yet still be left on the non-receiving end. How is that possible?

Being courteous must begin with you. We can't go out and expect courtesy if we ourselves cannot demonstrate courtesy towards others. Do what I say not what I do seems like the motto many people adhere to. Too many people fear speaking up for fear of loss so they comply and go along.

So for today stop and pay attention to your surroundings. Think about how you can be more courteous towards others as you proceed through your day.