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Last week I was driving through town. I quickly noticed a friend of mine in her vehicle waiting to cross the intersection and I immediately began waving to her. I had at least 50 yards to get her attention so we could enjoy an unexpected morning exchange. However, as I sat there vigorously waving my hand and smiling like an idiot, she intently watched traffic waiting for her opportunity to cross the road. She never noticed me.
I was bummed, but I quickly realized, that my attempt to say hello was on mute. I had an entire vehicle at my disposal: a horn to honk and lights to flash all in an effort to make my intentions visible and known. However, I never diverted from waving. I just did the first thing that came to mind and never modified the plan. I blame the early hour and a lack of caffeination for my slow response to improvise! Ha! My friend could only have responded to my joyful attempt to say hello if she had a history of actively driving through town looking at cars to see who may be greeting her. And that...would be absurd.
Sometimes what we do goes unnoticed. Sometimes what we believe to be direct and obvious is actually small and unseen. Being aware of our actions and how they affect a situation is vital to the story being written. Many years ago I heard this, "others perception by default becomes your reality". No matter what we intend with our words or our actions, how it is perceived and received by others is the reality of the situation.
If you're unhappy with a situation, learn to use your horn. Speak up. If you're dissatisfied with the present, flash your lights and create a new path forward. Leverage the resources around you to accomplish the task set before you and create a desirable outcome. And by gosh, drink your morning coffee so you have enough wits about you to know when you need to change the plan! I have learned my lesson and you can bet the next time you see me honking and flashing my headlights with a ridiculous grin on my face, you'll know it's because I don't want to miss another opportunity for a happy and unexpected hello!
#StayMerry #StayBright & #HaveAHappyNewYear!
Kate Abbe
The Elkhorn Chamber
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