Recently, I was teaching my son how to drive.
I suspect many of you have been there as well; white knuckled as you grab onto that OMG handle praying for safety.
Anyway, we are merging onto the highway at a snail’s pace, and I notice that a truck is rapidly approaching. In no time the driver is right behind us. Growing impatient, the man behind the steering wheel leans on the horn.
He aggressively rides our bumper until we finally get onto the highway. After revving his engine he blows by us and flips the bird.
Nice.
Now, I could see that my son was a little bothered. So, after a quick chat we agreed to put the LEARNER DRIVER sign on the rear window before our next drive.
The next day we are going around the exact same merge. And what do you know? Another truck descends upon us.
But wait!
This time… it’s different.
The truck slows down and gives us some space.
When we make it onto the highway this man passes us, but this time there is no middle finger. Rather, he waves and gives us a nice smile.
What changed?
One thing.
In the same way, many people are wearing a mask smiling for the world to see. Rarely do we actually know what is taking place on the inside.
If people wore a sign telling us what was really going on in their lives, I can guarantee you… we would be slower to react, slower to judge and quicker with compassion.
October 10th is World Mental Health day. Let’s remember to slow down, have a little more patience, and let’s be kind to one another.
Everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.