COURTESY UPDATE + Shoulder Update
A recent poll concludes that lack of respect and courtesy is a serious problem and that the problem is getting worse. This is a disappointing finding. I think that the anonymity of our daily lives encourages rudeness. When we think we won't see the victim of our rudeness again or when we think no one will know who we are, we may lose our courtesy. Similarly, impatience and lack of time may encourage rudeness. We think we will save time by ignoring human kindness and respect.
While some may argue that courtesy and respect are trivial in a time of world turmoil, I argue that they are even more important. Courtesy and respect, which, after all, are really the same things, are the oil which smoothes social interaction, which reduces the stress of life, which makes our daily tasks more enjoyable. In a time which includes not only world problems but increasing anger and stress, courtesy is not trivial but critical. If we can't make an effort to be nicer, we're doomed to increasing anger and stress.
To those who say who cares, no one will notice, I say you should care, you will notice. In our private moments, we know when we have been unkind, disrespectful, discourteous, and we pay a price in guilt. We also miss the opportunity to be a better person, to feel better about ourselves. Finally, we make the world a worse place which affects us in common with everyone else.
To those who say they don't have time to be courteous, I say make the time. In the end, we'll save time by being courteous. The people we deal with will move with greater speed to help us, everyone will be energized and things will move more smoothly. Even the roads will get easier to navigate with courtesy all around us.
The good news is that there are still those who make the effort. Every day I see someone who is courteous in the face of rudeness, who is kind to the unkind, who respects those who don't respect him or her. I see examples of kindness, of taking valuable time to help others, people who are cheerful in the face of adversity, who help others when they need help themselves. It's these events which keep me optimistic that we'll do better.
Keep trying to be more courteous and respectful. It will pay dividends to you and everyone you meet.
4-22-02
[My shoulder continues to improve. In theory, I should be 80% healed by now and I think I'm on target. Flexibility is good and my strength is improving. My physical therapist, combined with an article I read, gave me an exercise with a weight and a small ball which I think will help me long after my shoulder is well. I feel better and better all around. I'll continue to keep you posted.]
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