Basic Human Decency

How much energy does it take to simply be a decent human being? I'm not talking about being a giant ray of sunshine, or a glowing orb of love-light, spreading goodness and kindness across all of humanity wherever you float. I just mean the simple act of existing as a human being treating other human beings with decency - whatever that word means for you. It could mean respect, dignity, or kindness, or it could simply mean not yelling at pedestrians as they cross the street in the crosswalk, when the "Walk" light is on, but you are in your car and you want to make a left turn but you have to wait for the pedestrians to finish crossing the street before you can complete your turn. It could just mean that.

So many angry people taking their anger out on other people. So many angry people taking their anger out on themselves. I understand - I've been there! And I've learned that it never, ever, ever gets the results you think you want. What good did it do that driver to be impatient while I crossed the street, as he made angry faces and gestures and finally shouted out the car window? What good did it do anyone, acting that way? No good, of course. I bet that guy really, really, really wants some good in his life. But all he's doing is perpetuating the negative.

People need to remember to *breathe* especially when they're in their cars. People need to remember other people are people, too. And that some of us simply need to get from one side of the street to the other (this is metaphorical, btw, as well as actual), so we will cross in the crosswalk when the light says, "Walk," and really, I think it's in the best interest of other human beings to recognize that as simply something that happens and not something that should cause you so much anger and grief. Breathe, people, breathe - and let the pedestrians cross the street in peace!