A week ago, I was rushing around with some last-minute Hanukkah shopping. I had stopped by Banana Republic and was the second in line to make a purchase when the system went down. The manager announced that the whole center is out of commission due to the volume of transactions but that it should be up again in a few minutes, based on a similar occurrence earlier in the day.
A tall, husky man in line ahead of me started talking
loudly, expressing his joy about the holiday season and how these glitches make
the shopping experience more fun. I thought he had to be joking, but he didn’t
appear to be trying to make people laugh. Then I thought he drank too much at
lunch – maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, or maybe this was just him. He seemed genuinely
jolly, like slap a beard on him and he could be Santa.
He then turned to me with a big smile and asked, “How are
you doing with all of your holiday shopping?” I said that I was doing well
until this delay, and I don’t have the time to leave and come back. When I
heard myself say this to Santa, I felt ashamed. This gentleman doesn’t know
that I’m actually a pleasant person most of the time (or am I?) He replied, “My
Dear, this is life. Anything can happen at any time!” I felt like Santa was
trying to teach me a lesson, like lighten up and get into the holiday spirit
for goodness’ sake.
When I got home, I reprimanded myself: when someone is friendly,
be friendly back! Don’t be a negative
presence just because I’m agitated at the time.
The next morning, I had to stop at a local market for a
large lunch order. I was waiting and waiting and waiting some more while the
people working there talked amongst themselves without any regard for those of
us who were standing in line. I noticed one of the women looking at me and when
we locked eyes, she asked, “How’s your day going?” The positive side of me
would have said something like “life is good…how is your day going?” but no, I
said instead, “It’s impossible to shop at this place. They are so disorganized
and slow.” She said, “but they are better than they used to be,” which made me
think she’s either the mom or wife of one of the men behind the counter,
because who else would say that? But
that wasn’t the point.
What was important was that she probably saw I was
frustrated, and she wanted to brighten my mood. How kind! I could’ve redeemed myself
from the day before at Banana Republic, but I didn’t; however, I did recognize
this repeated pattern in my overall mindset, and I didn’t like it.
As for my New Year’s resolutions going into 2026, I’m going to try not to be a curmudgeon, especially during the winter season when it can seep out…but no promises!
Any day you look at the grass from the top has the potential to be a good day. Find positive thoughts.
ReplyDeleteCousin Marty
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say you are not a curmudgeon. Holiday stress gets to all of us! Give yourself grace.
ReplyDeleteHey Judy, we all get stressed, so be kind to yourself. My solution to the holiday rush is to drop the purchasing and gift giving (maybe I'm the Grinch). I find this time of year to be a joy because other than a "regifting" event for fun, and purchasing stuff for "blessing bags" to be given to those in need, I'm able to just enjoy games and meals with my family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI would never think of the word curmudgeon when I think of you, Judy. I totally understand how you felt, though. I think I would’ve reacted the exact same way in both situations. And I think you know I’m a pretty positive person.
ReplyDeleteI would just look at it as you giving the people who were kind to you a gift. You enabled them to make someone else’s life more pleasant that day. That in itself is a grace.
I, like you, I have noticed certain patterns in my life and how I react to certain situations and I’m trying to correct that. I seem to always notice that after the fact, but I will continue to keep working on it.
What a great column that we can all relate to at least in my opinion. You are the furthest thing from my Carmudgeon and I was just thinking about you and how you have a similar demeanor to a really quiet but nice actress who has a very gentle way about her.
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