Life lessons from the buffet, the highway and everyday kindness
Glenn Mollette offers a series of simple strategies for navigating life's highway, from slowing down and letting others pass to showing appreciation and treating people with kindness.
by Glenn Mollette Guest Columnist
Glenn Mollette
We all need a few strategies for navigating the highway of life.
Here is a simple rule. Don’t fight with people at a buffet. When someone breaks in front of you to grab for the fried chicken or mashed potatoes then simply back off. Let them reach for what they want. Keep in mind it’s a buffet and more food will be coming. We’ve all seen people act like they have not eaten in years when they are going through a buffet. Take your time. You can always come back to the buffet for more. You won’t go home hungry.
Let people pass you on the road. If you want to drive 45 mph, that’s okay. Life doesn’t have to be lived at 75 mph. There is a reason there are speed limits on roads. Actually, some country roads need slower speed limits. Just because it’s legal to drive 55 mph on a country road doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive that fast. Take your time, slow down and let Mario pass you so you can enjoy the rest of your ride.
Don’t ignore the efforts of others. When it’s obvious that someone is working and trying hard then give them some appreciation. Sometimes people work hard and still don’t do a great job. You don’t have to encourage them to continue in their failures. If people are trying, they have a chance of progressing and doing better. You can find a way to constructively encourage them in their efforts. Let the school teacher know he or she is appreciated. They have tough jobs. Let your local public servant know you are thankful for his or her community efforts. Public service is often a thankless job. Thank the people who take care of you at your local medical office, nursing home and so forth. Extend appreciation to those who help you along life’s journey.
Don’t let opportunities pass. Wish people happy birthday, anniversary or whatever the occasion may be. Grieve with those who are suffering loss. In some way we will all experience various life celebrations and difficult occasions. We need each other in the good times and the difficult times. Be a friend in the good times and the bad.
We rarely agree with each other all of the time or even most of the time. Approval of each other’s politics, life achievements or failures should not be a reason to withhold kindness or even friendship. Becoming adversarial only demonstrates that we are small and incapable of working with others to solve problems.
Finally, treat others the way you want to be treated. Love is kind and covers a multitude of sins.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
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TAGGED: Glenn Mollette life lessons and advice, practical strategies for navigating life, importance of kindness and appreciation, how to slow down and enjoy life, treating others with kindness and respect
by Glenn Mollette