The 365 Commitment

Blog 157 – Hey, Can You Lighten Up a Little?

I walked my neighborhood this am stopping at every streetlight and pumping out air squats. Probably looks a little weird, but I’m ok with that. This has become a habit, it’s familiar and it feels good. I knocked out 10 sets and headed over to the hill I sprint each week.

I sprint up 105 meters and walk down, rinse repeat. As I’m walking down I see my neighbor running up the hill past me. He is an Air Force officer I think. I don’t know the guy too well because of an unfortunate incident about a year ago.

I was working in my driveway doing vehicle maintenance, these neighbors had just moved in and I hadn’t had a chance to meet them yet. But, I can hear the mom berating her kids in the back yard. Little kids. This kids are so little they can’t even form sentences yet. I can hear that they are not throwing tantrums or acting up at all, she is the one throwing a tantrum. This goes on for about an hour, no exaggeration.

I am trying to ignore this situation and go about my business, but after literally an hour of listening to her bully these tiny kids, I can’t take it any more. I wanted to help her and help those kids. I just could not stand another minute of listening to little toddlers take that kind of treatment. So, I walk over to the fence, I can’t see her but I can hear her, . . . I interrupt her continued verbal assault with “Hey, . . . can you lighten up a little bit?” “They’re just little kids.”

I didn’t attack her, I did not berate her, or accuse her. Not directly anyway. I just said “Can you lighten up a little.” That’s it. Well, this was not appreciated to say the least. A year later she will not make eye contact with me and hustles her kids away when she sees me. I am persona non grata. It kinda sucks. I stopped trying to smooth things over after my fourth try.

Would I do it again? I’m not sure. But, today is Father’s Day and this situation came to mind because I saw the Dad running this morning and he seems like a real stand up guy, and she seems like a good Mom, I have not heard here mistreat those little ones since.

Have I lost my temper? You bet. Should I be held accountable when I’m behaving badly? Yep. We should all hold each other accountable out of love.

So, Lighten up! Happy Father’s Day.

Ben Wagner (164)

Member The 365 Commitment

Subscribe

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Share the Post:

Recent Blogs

Day 268 – Positive No to Search Noise

This article explores the concept of a “positive no” in the context of search query normalization, arguing that effective systems prioritize commitment to consistent, relevant retrieval by actively refusing noise. It emphasizes that focus is an active choice, requiring judgment to distinguish between noise and meaningful variations, ultimately leading to better understanding and protection of purpose.

Day 267 – Commitment as a Daily Ritual

This article explores how consistent daily engagement transforms goals into an integral part of one’s identity. It emphasizes that commitment is a daily practice, not a one-time declaration, and highlights the power of showing up consistently, building support systems, and the shift from habit to identity.

Day 266 – Party Like it is Thursday

This article argues against using your birthday as a conditional start date for major life changes, suggesting it often leads to procrastination and sabotages progress. Instead, it advocates for using your birthday as a day of rest and renewal, focusing on one sustainable habit rather than a complete overhaul.

Day 265 – Boredom’s Blessing

This article explores the unexpected value of boredom, suggesting it’s not a problem to be solved but an opportunity for reflection, creativity, and self-discovery in an overstimulated world. It challenges the urge to constantly fill empty moments and encourages embracing stillness.

0

Would love your thoughts, please comment.x

()