Do you have a chip on your shoulder?

     Life is different today than when I grew up. Today a lot of people have a chip on their shoulder with a short fuse to their emotions. I’m not saying things were perfect when I was young. Bad things happen in life, it’s not right but it’s that way because our planet is filled with people. Some will say, “I have no control over what others say.” That’s true but you can control your reaction.
     Some people are so easily offended it’s almost impossible not to touch their trip wire. Name calling is not new. The Polish, Jewish, Blacks, handicapped, short people, overweight people have all been on the butt end of a joke, or negative comment. There is really no one safe from harassment, but in order to survive you have to turn a blind eye toward these comments. Learn to laugh at the comments and own your differences. Be proud of who you are.
     Many people choose to be angry, but it’s just as easy to choose pride and happiness. Some say, “How can I be happy when negativity is thrust upon me?” First, take the chip off your shoulder and look at the positive side of life. I promise you taking a positive approach will change your life and others reactions toward you.
     That doesn’t mean you will be immune from harassment, but if you have a positive attitude you will be better equipped to handle it. All of us make thousand of choices daily, why not pick the positive ones. “Just Saying...”
     

Little Courtesies

     Are you an Ace or Ass? There are a lot of simple ways to be courteous to others with little effort on your part. Many of us do a lot of these like, hold the door for the person behind you, let the person with two items check out before you, help someone load a heavy item into their car, etc. Not doing these things doesn’t make you an ass, it just might be you are consumed with your own thoughts at the time and not aware of your surroundings. Wake up and join the world.

     Drivers darting and weaving through traffic like they’re driving a stolen car are the definition of an ass. They have an FU attitude and seem to care about nothing but their self. Merging on to the highway from an on ramp is not always easy when the access ramps are short. I’ve noticed some drivers will move to the left lane if it’s empty, to allow the cars entering the highway easier access, but some don’t. I’m not sure if the drivers that don’t move over are oblivious or just an ass. It’s a small gesture that cost you nothing but could prevent an accident. Legally the car entering the highway must yield to oncoming traffic, but there are situations when being courteous is the right thing to do even if it’s not legally required.

     In heavy traffic, when someone uses their blinker to signal a lane change you can be an ace by letting them in. But if you race ahead with the sole purpose of keeping them from getting in front, you may be in the early stages of assholeism. I see many more aces than I do asses, but I tend to remember the asses. Be attentive when you’re behind the wheel and drive like an ace. “Just Saying....”