The world does not revolve around you. It was here long before you were and it will keep going after you die. Most people in the world, in the country, even in your own town have no clue who you are or that you even exist. Most people are completely indifferent to you being here at all. When that person cuts you off, or pulls out in front of you, they are not trying to stick it to you. More than likely they just didn't see you and were embarrassed when they saw you. There is no point getting mad at them. Even if they did it on purpose, it is irrelevant that it is you in the car, they would have done it to someone else if they were there. When you are stuck in traffic, I promise you it is not a small group of cars that is purposely stopped in front of you to tick you off, and they didn't get in that accident just to make you late. When a stranger is rude to you, it is not directed at you, they don't even know you, they are just people who are mad (probably because someone cut them off, or they think the world revolves around them) or maybe they are simply having a bad day, or going through problems that we are thankful we don't have, but because we don't have them or know them, we don't understand the problem. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and if it was someone else they would have said or done the same thing.
So what do we do with this information? Let it go, you will probably never see those people again, you have no clue who they are, and they have no clue who you are. Don't add to the anger. And have you never done the same thing? Cut someone off because you didn't see them, say something under your breath because some stranger inconviences you in some way?
Most of the world is simply self focused. It's not that they wish you any ill, it's simply that they don't want to be inconvienced, they lash out at the inconviencer, or the one closest to them that they can blame even if you are stuck in the same situation.
Let it go. If someone you love and know says something cruel and hurtful, that's one thing, but if it is a stranger, it's not personal. If it is a situation you have no control over, let it go. There is enough difficulty and evil in the world to keep the blood pressure up, don't let irrelevant things add to it.
Instead of worrying about how everyone is out to get you, see how you can get them first- do something that helps convience someone if possible, they will appreciate it, at least after they get over the shock of it. Some people will resist, but that's because they think you want something from them. Don't want something from them.
Rise above. Work on not being indifferent. If you see a need you can do something about, do something about it. Don't feel guilty for things you can do nothing about. There is a lot you can do nothing about. The world doesn't revolve around you. Don't get mad at that, it is more than we can bear. Maybe they will have some relief from the anger they feel. Maybe you will help them stop losing faith in all humanity for a few minutes. Maybe they will appreciate it. Maybe they will acknowledge your existance. Maybe they will want to get to know you. Maybe you can learn to love them.
--listening to Morrissey-Vauxhall & I
1 comment:
Just remember that the person you flip off today, might be the person you have to witness to next Sunday. Wouldnt your face be red.
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