Petty Annoyances Are Exactly That - Petty!

February 3, 2010 on 12:23 pm | In Attitude, Character, Gratitude, Purpose  Email This Post

If you’re a frequent listener to my radio program, you’ve probably heard me say to someone seemingly immersed in a petty annoyance:  “You must have a charmed and uncomplicated life to have the time and energy to be upset about something that’s ultimately so minuscule.”
 
Yeah, I know that sounds snarky, but the point is made.  If your life is filled with the awe of the sky when the sun first comes up, scurrying to do some projects for charity, coming up with ideas to support a friend in emotional need, treating your spouse as though you adored every breath they take, having daily physical activity that makes you sweat and feel great afterwards, taking on a new challenge in a hobby or education at the local community college or adult extension, having a day a week you get together with buddies to play poker, make a quilt or whatever….when your life is filled in such expansive ways, then the quirky disappointments of family and friends will be shrugged off with a small smile and a lack of real concern.
 
Try activity instead of pouting or letting your anger simmer.

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A Kind Gesture for One In Uniform

December 23, 2009 on 7:00 am | In Attitude, Gratitude, Military  Email This Post

Since this is the season of giving, I thought I’d share with you a letter I got from an Army Captain who was the recipient of a kind deed from a stranger:

Dr. Laura:
I am an active duty soldier stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.  I am not a regular coffee drinker, but after a week of unusually early mornings and late nights, I pulled into the drive-thru of a popular coffee chain this morning on my way to work in need of a caffeine kick.  As you would expect, I placed my order and waited behind a few cars until it was my turn to pay and go.  When I pulled up to the window, the cashier handed me my cup and informed me that the lady in the car ahead of me had noticed my uniform and graciously paid my tab.

I’ll never be able to thank that lady personally for her kindness, but perhaps she is a listener of yours, and I hope a short note of appreciation can articulate what these kind gestures - no matter how seemingly small - mean to us in the service.  I am always moved by the gratitude and patriotism of strangers, and I never forget a simple word of thanks or the enduring impact that it has. 

Thank you for everything that you do, Dr. Laura, for us in uniform.  I subscribe to your podcast so that I never miss a minute of your wisdom and insight no matter where in the world I find myself these days.

Airborne!
Captain W.

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