Beverly Sills
Many years ago I listened to a set of tapes by Dr. Julie White advising women on how to build their self-images and self-projection. She had discussed a recurring frustration which she was able to turn around: waiting on an interminable line at the bank (pre-ATM days). Her self-talk suggested that she use it as an opportunity to practice poise. What a concept! Using what is to create what you want in your life. The Universe hands us unexpected educational moments daily. We can decide how to view them.
Julie’s words came back to me this morning. The two errands on my list, not of my own choosing but determined by the new moon or planetary distribution on this July day, were to get a new cord at Verizon to remedy my inability to synch my Palm and computer contact management database, and to exchange my router which seemed to be creating issues with my VOIP (voice over internet protocol–using the computer lines for phone connections). That meant long lines, wondering if I had the right passwords and if the account was in my name or my husband’s which may prohibit me from making the transaction at all.
I actually said a prayer before going into Verizon. Not only am I impatient, I’m also judgmental, critical and self-righteous. My mind says, “There should be more people available to handle this huge line. They’re not going to be able to help me. I shouldn’t have to spend all this time on my phone/modem.” Yadda, yadda, yadda. I don’t want to be like that. I don’t like those pieces of me. I want them removed.
Something must have happened in that moment I took to access my higher self, because when I walked into the phone store, I was the only customer waiting for technical service. The gentleman behind the counter heard my request and promptly handed me a new cord for synching my phone and computer. I was on a roll. I drove to Optonline and received a new router also within minutes of my arrival.
I’ve heard over and over again that we can choose our attitude. A memorable quote from Beverly Sills came back to me. She mentioned in a radio interview that a friend asked her incredulously, “You mean you have to get up at 6 o’clock every morning to practice your scales for two hours?” (or something along those lines…). To which Sills replied, “No. I get to wake up at that time to be able to perform later.” She saw it as a privilege, not a chore.
Today I got to take care of my communications issues and was blessed with the freedom and flexibility in my day to be able to do just that.
Great reminder Jane! Poise is somewhat lacking these days in all of us…I want to be at the head of the poise trend!
I loved your article today. I posted on my blog; http://minutesmatter.blogspot.com/
Love It!
Change you mind & change you life!
Wayne Dyer new book EXCUSES BE GONE – EXCELLENT….
LOVE, PEACE & JOY TO ALL!
Yes, but would you have kept your poise had the lines been long? Sounds to me like you just lucked out! Don’t get me wrong, telling yourself ahead of time that you would not let the situation make you into the “self” you don’t like is always a good thing. But so is luck!
Jane,
I am so glad you admitted to being the same woman I am! As a freind once told me when I took my car to the dealership to be serviced, “Boy, you come in with your guns loaded, huh?”
That was about 8 years ago and everytime I find myself getting into that impatient (I am SO impatient, at times) and judgemental mode I find MY the attitude I come in with SO effects what comes back to me!
And guess what, I come up against what I would formerly known as “typical” service much less. And that is a daily blessing! Less frustration!!!
Thanks for this post!
@Kathleen
I love your mission to head the poise trend. Perhaps a daily post on how you remained poised in the face of a trying situation. There’s plenty of opportunity in this fast-paced world.
@Debbie
Thank you so much for spreading the word!
@Karen
Thank you for the book recommendation. Wayne Dyer is a long-time favorite of mine. I listened to Choose Your Own Greatness 20+ years ago. He changed so many long-held beliefs for me.
@Anne
I appreciate the challenge! I had the opportunity to practice poise unexpectedly when I got on a ridiculously long line to check out at Whole Foods during a short lunch break. Because I was with two participants from the class I was teaching, I knew I wanted to behave. It was a trying situation needing the manager’s attention. Needless to say, he was nowhere in view. I took some breaths, prayed and chatted with my colleagues. Knowing it was material for a future post, I didn’t even roll my eyes or make a cynical comment. Progress!
@Deborah
“Guns loaded”–well that’s a wake-up call. Thank you for sharing. I can identify!