Smack … the windshield wiper fell off. Right onto the windshield. That definitely wasn’t in the cards, as my girlfriend and I prepared for a long awaited trip to the mountains. To make it worse, it was her parents car, as mine needed some TLC and wasn’t truly worthy of a long trip.
This slightly embarrassing misfortune then turned even worse when the wiper would not go back on. Next stop on this adventure was this painful sound … “SNAP”! The clip broke, taking things from bad to worse.
Next … stopping at a store, that personally is equivalent to eating Shreddies with water. Something I would avoid at all costs, unless options are exhausted. Nonetheless it was the nearest option and they had windshield wipers, so I readied myself.
As we entered into this building where they sell “Canadian Tires” my expectations were set on “low”. At the same time I was wishing that miraculously someone could truly help us, allowing us to leave to the Mountains ASAP …
After speaking with a young attendee, who was semi helpful, it appeared as if we’d be buying a whole new $15 wiper, when all we needed was a 50 cent plastic clip. Guess that was my medicine for a silly error to break the clip in the first place. I was preparing to accept my fate … but as we walked through the store, a clean cut, happy employee walked out of the automotive section.
And what happened next, taught me a huge lesson, and where my heart needs to be, to feel true happiness in life, and not be so crusty …
As this happy employee walked by, I felt prompted to ask for his help, which I did. He thought for a second, and said “I’ll be right back”. Minutes later, he’d found us the exact clip we needed, which was quite the feat!
I looked up at him and asked “how much”?
He looked me kindly in the eye, and said “nothing at all”.
Instantly I was rushed with gratitude and appreciation, as “nothing at all” turned into everything. He totally helped us out – what a hero this guy was. More importantly though completely out of the goodness of his heart, he not only made my day, but taught me a lesson, around something I’ve long struggled with.
This is what I learned …
The problem for 7 years, wasn’t the employees at this store, or even my experiences there. It was how critical, and impatient I was. Always quick to accuse, or find fault, even if silently in my head, it always perpetuated the story, making it worse and worse. Which was an instant anchor for negative feelings, that made me miserable!
Reflecting on this, it’s amazing how debilitating being critical can become in stealing away precious moments, happiness and appreciation. As I look across my life, and how this applies in relationships, work, family, and friendships it blows me away … it’s so applicable! And something I’m excited to work on, because already life is so much better!
* Here’s your chance to learn from my well travelled lesson …
How could a kinder/softer heart bring more happiness into your life?
And what one area, right now, if you changed it, would give you the most positive kick back?
Hey Kyle, thanks for the post! For me, the biggest area where a kinder/softer heart would bring more happiness into my life would be in how I treat myself. And that’s what I love so much about relationships, even with strangers: they’re an amazing opportunity to offer to another the kindness I’m not yet willing to offer myself. I spent a lot of time offering kindness this week, and in giving that gift to another, I slowly realize I *am* giving it to my Self.