Assume The Worst
People are always on the defensive, makes you wonder why they are. And if there is anything to cure this instinctive behaviour. Assume the worst.
‘No wonder anyone has faith in good will, no-one is ready to receive it. It’s all combat but no modesty.’
A couple of weeks ago, two men were killed by an impatient motorist trying to evade a crash that happened on a busy motorway.
These two men, labelled as ‘Good Samaritans’, attempted to help the injured driver involved in the crash.
As this impatient motorist sped past cars, they inadvertently struck the two men.
They both later died in hospital.
I haven’t heard about follow-ups to charge the person who killed them.
They exited their own vehicles out of good faith.
To help others.
To be selfless.
And they paid the ultimate price.
Are we ever in a position to receive good faith as good faith and not something we feel is veiled in mischief?
I think we all believe the following:
Every selfless act has a selfish motive
I don’t think it’s true.
But it seems to be the way that people attack life.
Everyone wants something.
In the case that will follow, the ‘something’ was to protect other Tesco customers’ cars.
Let me explain.
Parking in my local Tesco’s always brings its trials and tribulations.
Something always happens.
Today was no different.
As I get out the car, I walk towards the store entrance.
As I walked up, I saw a trolley rolling down the tarmac.
Whoever designed the car park decided it would be a great idea to have a slight slope from top-to-bottom.
So shopping trollies have the propensity to float down the tarmac.
This trolley decided to take a rather destructive route.
While not venturing far from its temporary owner, it managed to hit two cars with some force.
Luckily no noticeable damage was incurred.
It was also dark so I guess the owners of the cars will find out in the morning.
My car was quite a bit down so I didn’t care to worry too much about that.
The concern as I approached was that if it was my car, I wouldn’t appreciate the sloppiness from this woman.
As I approached the trolley to stop it from moving and destroying the paintwork of other cars, I couldn’t see who the trolley belonged to.
Almost as I started to push the trolley back up the road, a head popped out and looked rather alarmed.
The woman and I had an exchange. Her voice compromised of an extrememly screechy voice that I’ll never forget (because it was quite a distressing pitch).
The exchange follows:
Woman: Excuse me, what do you think you’re doing?
Me: Is this your trolley?
Woman: Yes, why are you pushing it? (as she grapples the trolley away from me)
Me: It was rolling down the road hitting cars, someone had to stop it.
Woman: Oh
Me: Don’t worry I wasn’t taking it.
Woman: Oh okay.
Me: Maybe it’s best not assume you know what’s happening when you had no clue, I was just helping out.
Woman: doesn’t respond
My effort to exercise good faith ended up in an exchange where I criticised her car and her attitude to myself all the way into the store.
I’m sure the person behind me got quite the chuckle.
I couldn’t believe her attitude and approach to the situation.
Is this the attitude that we should aspire to?
Makes me wonder about road rage too.
I have it.
In immense abundance, but I never get out of my car.
I’m safe within the confines of my car.
I suppose road rage is more justified as you can see the event unfolding in front of you.
I suppose this is just a message to myself and others to make sure that we understand the context of a situation.
Good faith will never fade.
But our willingness to act on it often will.
Assume the worst
I’m gathering some feedback on this engagement project.
The last blog is fast approaching and I know it’ll be a reflective one.
I know people read this blog, so if you want to participate in some anonymous (if you like) feedback and thoughts follow this link below.