NEW DAY NEW LESSON » Featured, Kindness Club, Lesson of the Day » Being A Courteous Driver Or Pedestrian Is A Mindset
Being A Courteous Driver Or Pedestrian Is A Mindset
There are courteous drivers and pedestrians and then there are obnoxious less courteous drivers and pedestrians. Every country has their share of the less than courteous. I have to admit that I have not always been a courteous driver and there are times when I still slip.
What I do know is that I try very hard to be courteous. I try to let people merge in, I let pedestrians cross the street and I try to give uncourteous drivers the benefit of the doubt. Like if someone is cutting me off or honking, I will tell myself maybe he has a family emergency and he is stressed out trying to get there.
It really does not take much of an effort to be a courteous driver. I think the problem is the mindset.
I remember years ago I was watching a Dr. Phil show. (Does that surprise anyone?) The show was about road rage. His guest was a women who from the minute she got into the car was agitated, honking, cursing and weaving in and out of lanes.
Dr. Phil timed her on a regular day’s drive to work driving the way she usually does (agitated and uncourteous) and then another day when he gave her directions not to weave in and out or honk. What was the total difference in driving time? Only five pitiful minutes. Needless to say, the woman was in shock and broke down crying. All her nerves and anger had gained her only five minutes.
So what does it really take to let a driver merge in? To let a pedestrian walk by? To wave a thank you or smile at a driver who stopped for you at the crosswalk? It takes nothing but a change in your mindset.
I was so shocked and pleased about two months ago when I was in Jerusalem and a bus coming out of a parking lot, stopped and waved for me to cross in front of him. Actually, I was quite shocked because it is not a behavior I have seen often from bus drivers. It made me happy enough to have warranted me taking a picture of the bus.
So next time any of us are in the driver’s seat or being a pedestrian (which is every day), let’s all try to be more courteous and tolerant. After all we all love when others act that way to us.
So how did you guys all do with this week’s Kindness Club Week 6 prompt of being a courteous driver and/or pedestrian?
Go on and write a post about your experiences. (Don’t forget to use the URL from your post not your site). The link will be open for a week. (Sunday-Sunday)
Make sure to come back on Tuesday for this week’s Kindness Club Prompt.
Can’t wait to hear your stories.
Image:
AREN’T WE COURTEOUS?
© Paul Fenwick | Flickr Creative Commons
Written by Susie
I am me and also lots of other things like a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a daughter in law, a sister in law, a friend, an oncology nurse, a blogger, a life coach in training, an avid book reader, a chauffeur, a chef, a shopper, a maid and on some days a bit overwhelmed. On this blog I share my journey of striving to see the best in everyone and everything. Strive, because I don't always manage to. Yup, I am human. I would love to have you join me in learning lessons in positivity from life.
Filed under: Featured, Kindness Club, Lesson of the Day · Tags: buses, courteous, courteous driver, pedestrian, road rage
5 Responses to "Being A Courteous Driver Or Pedestrian Is A Mindset"
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Road rage is a big problem and people take very dangerous risks for the sake of a few minutes. Great post:) Jen.
I love being a courteous driver and thanking others for their politeness – it makes you feel good and I just abhor rudeness of any sort.
I live in London but never drive here mostly because it stresses me out too much, mostly due to the rude drivers who are always in such a rush and driving too fast, even on residential streets. Hopefully, I am a courteous pedestrian. I always coach my kids to wait for the green man even if they don’t see any cars coming.
My husband teases me but I love Dr. Phil!
I have certain areas as well that i avoid driving in if I have to.
Love Dr. Phil and Oprah and anyone else who says it like it is and helps people.
I’m very glad to say this isn’t really a problem where I live. Being a courteous driver here is pretty simple. It’s returning a wave, blinking your lights to keep someone from going too fast by a speed trap, and waiting patiently when behind a tractor.
I love the country.