An elderly man stood with his cart in the dairy section, studying the things through the glass. I think he was probably looking for something. Whatever he was doing, he stood there for an inordinate amount of time.
I needed to get to the butter.
We live in such an impatient world. I am by nature a pretty impatient person myself, as a matter of fact, but I do try not to show it. The thing that I know about myself is that 1) that impatience is rarely warranted and 2) with a little effort, I can keep my thoughts to myself and 3) it costs me absolutely nothing.
And so I practice being patient. Maybe I'll get good at it someday.
I am happy to report that I succeeded this day. I stood with my cart, and eventually, the man did notice me waiting, and said, "I'm sorry!" in an embarrassed way, and I said, pleasantly, "I'm in no rush..." We both continued shopping.
In addition to struggling with patience, I am one of those people who rely on mental lists. This means of course, that I head for the checkout only to catch sight of, say, a jar of peanut butter, which reminds me that (crap!) I need bread. Avocados might remind me I need tomatoes. (I don't know why, don't ask) I'm always grateful for long lines because it almost insures that I'm not going to leave the store without something that I meant to pick up.
By the time that I headed back to line, I saw I'd have plenty of time to ponder my purchases, to make sure that I had everything. That is because the elderly man that I'd practiced my patience on was at the register. I'm not sure what he was irritated about but he was giving the cashier quite a time.
People in line were getting restless. I tried to see it as yet another opportunity to practice patience.
Other than that, nothing much going on. I cleaned a refrigerator and an oven yesterday over at the rental. We are cleaning out the things from the basement. I cannot imagine how one person gets so many shoes! I've been matching them up and we dropped a nice collection of things off at Goodwill yesterday.
I really need to persevere with this patience thing. I just don't seem to have the time!
ReplyDeleteLOL.
DeleteThis just happened to me yesterday! I was studying microwave popcorn looking for my favorite and caught a nice whiff of soap. Turned to my left and a woman in a jogging suit was waiting to open the cooler door behind me (with bottled teas). I said "Oh I'm sorry" and she said "You're fine!" and it was very appreciated, little things like that make all the difference. :^)
ReplyDeleteI think we all need a touch of grace to our days.
DeleteNow I always say, "No worries, I'm retired, so I have lots of time!"
ReplyDeleteYou can politely say, "Excuse me, please" if you really have to get moving...
Yes you can .
DeleteI'm very impatient too, although Katie has taught me a lot about patience over the years. Like you, I practice:)
ReplyDeletePractice makes perfect.
DeleteIt's good to be patient in shops..so many people are not! ( Not in their driving cars either!)
ReplyDeleteTrue story. I always amazed at people who get so angry at other drivers. Every driver in this world has made a mistake while driving.
DeleteWe have just come back from a bike ride..on the short stretch of main road that we include in this circuit..when it is quiet like today....which is straight wide and clear....just before we turned off we were passed by a car. It was indicating to pass us and leaving us room....and another car came up and passed him as he passed us, going well over 60mph..the speed limit...and leaning on his horn...no excuse.
DeleteUgh. I hate that. I was in the left turn lane. A red car was to my right. Traffic cleared, I started to pull out. She shot out in front of me, cutting me off and turning left from the right hand lane. She had a vanity plate. I was awfully patient while I made the Facebook post calling her out with her plate name.
DeleteI try to be patient with people in the store and generally, I am. And hopefully, others will be patient with me. It does seem weird though, how often I want something right in front of where someone is standing for yes, an inordinate amount of time.
ReplyDeleteIt happens a lot. I always find myself wondering just how often I do the same thing to others.
DeleteI've seen Guns N'Roses. November Rain comes to mind with the weather here today.
ReplyDeleteIt May rain here as well. (see what I did there?) It has been so gray here for such a long, long time. At least yesterday, it got warm. Today, we have another fire going.
Delete👍Great play on month words Debby!
DeleteI had a very similar moment with someone at the grocery store today! Lots of deep breathing was involved. I also struggle with impatience when I'm on the sidewalk and trapped behind a group of people who are walking slow. It makes me crazy.
ReplyDeleteReally? You don't strike me as a 'rage' kind of guy. I guess that I always feel sorry for people and are hopeful that when I'm dumbing around, that people will be patient with me...I'm sure that I had a positive effect on the angry old man. Can you imagine how he would have spoken to the cashier had I NOT been so patient?
DeleteI always consider it good for my character to practice patience. I'm also an impatient type but getting better at letting go of the small stuff.
ReplyDeleteI am quite a character.
DeleteIt's tough to be patient but very satisfying when you are patient.
ReplyDeleteI always feel terrible and ashamed when I am not patient.
DeleteAs the saying goes, ‘patience is a virtue’! I’m always thinking the slow car in front of me may be somebody’s grandma, or a new driver.. I mean, really - what’s a few more seconds/minutes?? And that goes for grocery shopping too! Xo, Ricki
ReplyDeleteAnd you've nailed it, really. Let's save our outrage for the stuff that will matter tomorrow.
DeleteI shop online. No one ever bothers me.
ReplyDeleteOh Joanne! You tickle me!
DeleteWait! You can shop without a written list? I have one and even then have trouble picking up everything on it.
ReplyDeleteYeah. I've been rethinking that policy because it just isn't working very well for me. I never remember the bring the list when I make the list, but somehow, writing things down makes it more likely that I'll remember them.
DeleteThe lack of situational awareness in grocery stores astound me. That is why I tend to go early in the morning before the rush so I don't often have to practice having patience.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that I hate more than practicing patience is getting up early.
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