See the other side of things

One night not too long ago I was on my way back from a friend’s house right around curfew when I took a turn I hadn’t ever taken before. I didn’t try to find the speed limit; I just assumed that the speed limit would be the same 45 as the road I normally took. Big mistake. It wasn’t until I saw the blue and red-flashing lights behind me that I realized the speed limit was probably a little less than 45. I pulled over and started to get together my license, registration and insurance. The police officer came to my window and asked me if I knew the speed limit. I didn’t but I hazarded a guess, “35?” It was actually 30… I was going about 50. The cop took my info back to his car to write up my ticket. It was 11:55 and I was convinced that he was going to keep me out past curfew just to give me an extra ticket. But immediately following that thought I realized that I was making the situation way too personal. I sped and had to accept the consequences. The cop didn’t pull me over just because it was me. I was taking myself too seriously. I realized that it was crazy to think that the cop was out to get me in anyway he could. I should have looked at it from his eyes; he was just doing his job.

Now I don’t take myself seriously at all. In fact I make an effort to focus on the circumstances of others. I find that it makes life more enjoyable. Instead of becoming livid when someone cuts me off, I instead try to imagine what could necessitate such aggressive driving. Perhaps they need to deposit a check at a bank before it closes so that when the bills automatically pay they don’t go into overdraft. When I compare that hypothetical situation to my going home, their previously unacceptable lane change seems more understandable.

I think everyone in America could benefit from asking him or herself how important they are in the grand scheme of things. If everyone realized that there are always two sides to a story, our lives would be drastically different. This way of thinking would lead to more empathy and less hate in general.