The Ramblings Of A Writer's Mind

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003 - 7:49 a.m.

Walk A Mile

Recently I was reminded of the saying of not judging someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

I do demos in stores and sometimes people can be down right rude but I have learned to not take it personally. Which is sometimes difficult to do.

The other day a woman got impatient as I was giving her the flavor options I had of candy and rushed off. I told her to have a "Great Day" as she was whizzing by.

Later she came back and apologized. She told me that she could not make a decision at the time and was feeling overwhelmed at all the options.

I found out that in the space of three hours her sister had fallen and gotten hurt but refused to see a doctor or anyone. Her son had been in a car accident but luckily was not seriously hurt and her Grandson had just fallen and knocked out his front teeth. On top of all of that her husband had been in a hurry and had stormed out to the car because it was taking her too long to make decisions on what to buy.

I asked her if she needed a hug and she said yes so I gave her a hug and then she made a decision of what candy she wanted to sample. (I was allowed to only give one flavor of candy out per customer)

Sometimes it can be difficult to "Walk A Mile In Someone's Shoes" but that telemarketer who just called may be a single parent supporting children on what he or she makes. The person who was rude in the checkout line pushing their way ahead of you or me may have a loved one who is ill,be seriously ill themself, or have some other problem where they are feeling overwhelmed.

I do not condone rude or obnoxious behavior but I also know that there are times when my shoes pinch and unfortunately I am not as gracious or understanding as I could have been in that particular situation.

Sometimes I can apologize and other times alas there is not the opportunity to apologize. However, I can try to alter my attitude so that I am gracious and understanding with other people I may come in contact with.

The benefit of walking a mile in someone's shoes is that I start to realize how blessed I am or my perspective changes for the better on something. Trying to see where someone else is coming from has helped in my relationships.

******************
Alzheimer Shoes
(Dedicated to those who have Alzheimer)

It must be difficult,
to walk everyday
with Alzheimer shoes;
which causes your thoughts to be numbed away.

Pinched out of existence
by tight,
Alzheimer shoes;
Which causes your brain to no longer work right.

It must be difficult,
to walk everyday
with Alzheimer shoes.
When you never know when thoughts will drift away.

Pinched out of existence
by Alzheimer shoes.
Shoes you can never take off;
but which affects everything you do.

I am trying to understand
the painful steps you take.
While you wear Alzheimer shoes as you walk through this land.
It must be difficult!

previous - next

Spring...The Renewal Of Life - Monday, Mar. 21, 2005
In Shock - Wednesday, Feb. 02, 2005
Life Goes On - Monday, Dec. 27, 2004
If I Could Have Any Wish - Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004
Sense of Humor And Lots Of Patience - Tuesday, Jul. 13, 2004