Eat a third and drink a third, but leave the remaining third of your stomach empty, for then, if anger overtakes you, there will be room for your rage.
–The Talmud–
A couple of weeks ago I heard of a cyclist who was pedalling slowly, uphill, in the middle of a narrow semi-rural little road here in Cheshire. When the line of cars that had formed behind him was able to overtake him, a driver stopped by and vomited a truckload of roaring abuse on the cyclist before vrooming off into the distance. Don't you find that those people so eager to give you a piece of their mind are the ones who really shouldn't spare a piece so readily? I don't know about you dear reader, but when I pass a cyclist I treat it as if it were a horse; I pass wide and slow and peace to you man. It doesn't mean I don't ever get angry; I just don't do so while driving. But let's suppose you've got an over-the-top character, a Hulk-like monster who hits the fan, shatters the roof and shoots off into the stratosphere for any odd reason, or none at all. Can you handle the rage?
Think about an angry, sanguine, rude character who spits abuse to all and sundry. Now multiply that by 100 and write about him.
I get so impatient too but I try hard not to take it out on the person who (I think) is responsible. Instead, I really do try to take it as the Universe asking me to slow down, take a breath and be at peace. Most of the time, that works. :) I'll keep practicing.
Enjoy your blog. First time here - I'll be back!
Posted by: Lisa@Practically Intuitive | 08 June 2010 at 15:04
Thank you Lisa, very glad you enjoy it here!
Posted by: Steph | 08 June 2010 at 19:35