Have you come across someone who tells you about their unfortunate life, but you think that it is just unnecessary stress?
I have such encounter many times. At times, I do not know whether to console or to burst their bubble and bring them back to reality.
I hope this blog would help you reflect on life and consciously choose to be optimistic.
Unfortunate event - flat tyre
Late one night, an elderly man had a flat tyre. He was lucky as he was 100m away from home, so he drove home slowly. He does not know how to change a tyre and didn't see that as his problem. It was late and he had work the next morning at 11am. (Free lance work, and gets paid based on assignment) He asked his daughter to fix the problem first thing in the morning, to which his daughter was unable to as she had committed to baby sit. She would however, be free in the afternoon to help. But it was not good enough for him. Why can't she just cancel her commitment to help her poor father?
He got stressed out and felt uncared for. Finally, he managed to nag his son to drive 10km to help him change his flat tyre. His son was reluctant in the beginning and suggested that he call his mechanic who is 500m away. To avoid an earful for the next 2 weeks, his son decided to help.
After replacing his flat tyre with the spare tyre, he realised that he needed to get a new tyre anyway. Feeling frustrated, he decided to cancel his work appointment to visit the tyre shop.
He grumbled about how his children do not want to make his life easier. He had to miss work, and spend money for a new car tyre.
He blame it on his children for not acting fast to avoid him from missing his work assignment.
Knowing his side of story, I wondered if he could have avoided the self-pity. Then I asked myself, how can he create a more positive experience.
Funny as it sounds, I sometimes like to imagine 'Jack Sparrow'; my favourite character in such situation.
Captain Jack would have work his mind on alternatives and such mishap happens all the time. He definitely had worse. Flat tyre is not like 1 in a million incidents. Therefore, there is nothing to be sad about. In fact, it is another reason for Captain Jack's new adventure.
He would call his mechanic or persuade someone to do so. If he doesn't have his number, he could use his compass as a guide. If desperate enough, he would trot his way to the workshop.
If the mechanic is busy in the morning, Captain Jack would make a proposal and negotiate. With his optimistic approach, he probably gets what he wants. Worst case, make a later appointment.
Now how do you think he would handle his work assignment? I'd imagine him cooking up an idea and sell it at a higher price with a later deadline.
Feeling uncared for? 'Do I care? Life is for me to live with adventure and fulfill my passion. But if I can get a bargain by allowing my children help at a later time, why not?' - Captain Jack Sparrow.
If you are wondering why I share such a petty incident and not a dramatic one; it doesn't take a dramatic incident for one to react in the same way.
I have such encounter many times. At times, I do not know whether to console or to burst their bubble and bring them back to reality.
I hope this blog would help you reflect on life and consciously choose to be optimistic.
Unfortunate event - flat tyre
Late one night, an elderly man had a flat tyre. He was lucky as he was 100m away from home, so he drove home slowly. He does not know how to change a tyre and didn't see that as his problem. It was late and he had work the next morning at 11am. (Free lance work, and gets paid based on assignment) He asked his daughter to fix the problem first thing in the morning, to which his daughter was unable to as she had committed to baby sit. She would however, be free in the afternoon to help. But it was not good enough for him. Why can't she just cancel her commitment to help her poor father?He got stressed out and felt uncared for. Finally, he managed to nag his son to drive 10km to help him change his flat tyre. His son was reluctant in the beginning and suggested that he call his mechanic who is 500m away. To avoid an earful for the next 2 weeks, his son decided to help.
After replacing his flat tyre with the spare tyre, he realised that he needed to get a new tyre anyway. Feeling frustrated, he decided to cancel his work appointment to visit the tyre shop.
He grumbled about how his children do not want to make his life easier. He had to miss work, and spend money for a new car tyre.
He blame it on his children for not acting fast to avoid him from missing his work assignment.
Knowing his side of story, I wondered if he could have avoided the self-pity. Then I asked myself, how can he create a more positive experience.
Funny as it sounds, I sometimes like to imagine 'Jack Sparrow'; my favourite character in such situation.Captain Jack would have work his mind on alternatives and such mishap happens all the time. He definitely had worse. Flat tyre is not like 1 in a million incidents. Therefore, there is nothing to be sad about. In fact, it is another reason for Captain Jack's new adventure.
He would call his mechanic or persuade someone to do so. If he doesn't have his number, he could use his compass as a guide. If desperate enough, he would trot his way to the workshop.
If the mechanic is busy in the morning, Captain Jack would make a proposal and negotiate. With his optimistic approach, he probably gets what he wants. Worst case, make a later appointment.
Now how do you think he would handle his work assignment? I'd imagine him cooking up an idea and sell it at a higher price with a later deadline.
Feeling uncared for? 'Do I care? Life is for me to live with adventure and fulfill my passion. But if I can get a bargain by allowing my children help at a later time, why not?' - Captain Jack Sparrow.
What do you think? As for me, I think putting on Captain Jack Sparrow' hat in any situation would tickle me and put a smile on my face. Life is not so bad after all.
Try it.
If you are wondering why I share such a petty incident and not a dramatic one; it doesn't take a dramatic incident for one to react in the same way.
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