The other day I brought my car in to have the tires changed. As I was sitting in the waiting room a man who had been there for awhile came in and said out loud “If you added up all the time you spent waiting in life I wonder how much it would be”. He wasn’t talking to me, he was just announcing it to the room. He was clearly irritated and impatiently pacing.
I went back to reading the book that I brought in anticipation of having to “wait”. It was an interesting comment and it made me start thinking. I don’t think I spend much time waiting for anything. When I go to give blood or have an appointment or have to bring my car in I bring a book or make calls or use the time to sort through emails. I have a lot of things to do and pacing around the room “waiting” isn’t one of them.
It’s all about perspective. This man considered this time wasted. He knew he had this appointment and in preparation did nothing but think about the time he would be waiting. He didn’t think about what he could do in that time to better spend it. If asked, he would probably tell you that he doesn’t have enough time to read a book or that he never has enough time to get through his emails.
I have committed to reading 30 minutes per day so I saw this appointment as an opportunity to get my daily reading in. I think we could do this more in life, take situations that we perceive as negative and see how we can benefit from them or use them in a positive way. I am going to be mindful of this and when something negative or inconvenient comes up, see if I can spin it into something positive.
Not only was I productive during this time, while the man “waiting” wasn’t. I left happy and accomplished and he left agitated and in a negative mindset.
Make your life an EPIC adventure! 
Thanks Lisa for sharing your insights..and pics. It’s all part of living the abundant life.
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So simple and true Lisa. As always, thanks for your insights. They are always appreciated.
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I wonder what “way more” important things he was unable to do will waiting for his tires to be changed. My experience is that I meet some interesting people in the “waiting room” and glean much from that experience. Actually, I find that precious time passes too quickly.
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Thanks Lisa. More positive thoughts to live by…appreciated!
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When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. ~ Wayne Dyer
I want to share a conversation that echoes this wonderful sentiment by Wayne Dyer. I had an interesting conversation with my daughter’s neighbour this week. Her husband, a paramedic, works out of province and is often away from home for months at a time. With three sons age 5 to 13, she sometimes found herself feeling overwhelmed and sorry for herself, especially in our cold winter months. She went on to share that when she started thinking of how fortunate and blessed she was to have “this time” with her three sons that her life at home with her boys (and without her husband) became rich and special. I have watched her outside hanging Christmas lights and using a snowblower – all with a smile on her face. I am thankful my daughter has such an inspiring friend and neighbour.
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That’s amazing Almeda. Thanks for sharing. xo
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totally agree that it is all about perspectives and also being intentional about making each day count. As I was reminded this weekend, you only get one crack at today! live it well, make it count.
p.s. by the way, I just read your great blog while waiting for a conference call!
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Thanks for the wonderful post, so timely as always. Such an important reminder of the power of mindsets.
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