Jan says at RevGals:
Struggling with a cold and infection for the past few weeks has me spanning the spectrum of feeling totally miserable and self-centered to peaceful and trusting. When and where have you experienced such dualistic emotions or feelings or situations?
A friend told me about seeing a tattooed and grizzly man in front of her at the store whom she assumed was a gang-banger. Only after he turned around did she see a little bit of glitter on his face, so she quickly asked him if he had a daughter. Eventually, it came out that he has a son and the night before he’d laid down with him putting him to bed and probably there had been glitter on his child’s pillow. How her image of him changed! (almost like to black to white)
So tell us five ways you have experienced the overturning of some attitude or idea if yours? Be more creative than I have in this FF!!
1. A few weeks ago I went to the grocery store and was shocked to find that people were annoying, inconsiderate, etc. I was getting frustrated, and then getting upset because I was so frustrated...I almost never feel that way in the store, and was clear that it was about ME, not them. I needed to "see through new spectacles." So I put away some carts after storing my groceries in my car, and then I walked back to the door and bought a Cub Scout discount card from a little boy who had been lookng very dejected when I walked in. A whole new day!
2. After a rough midday therapy session recently, I left the building to notice a thunderstorm brewing. I drove to my favorite park and watched the storm roll in. It gave me the space and the time I needed to decompress, and I got to watch the clouds and rain and streaming mud.
3. Several months ago I determined not to attend church with my parents any longer, as I don't agree with what is preached there. Then I realized that one of the things I have loved all my life is going to church with my Daddy, who is 88 years old. I decided I would not let my grudge take that away from me. Now, every time I attend that church, I find something new to appreciate.
4. As I walk across the campus where I work, I often (especially this time of year) encounter lost or confused students and parents. Stopping to ask if I can help them find something reminds me of the larger picture of what I am doing, and the purpose of the entire enterprise. It's a gift to be reminded to slow down and offer hospitality.
5. My husband gave me an iRoomba, robot vacuum cleaner. I used to think those were a ridiculous indulgence...well, maybe they are, but boy howdy, I am most enamored of mine. His name is Robert.
