Unusual Dependency

I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 18. For the 3 or 4 years before then friends would stop by my parents house and give me rides. One night I stayed out later than my curfew and my father sat awake waiting for my return home. Two pertinent things were discussed when I arrived: 1. Call if I’m going to be late and 2. If I couldn’t drive and leave when I wanted I may want to consider not going.

About 30 years later I had to relearn the same lesson. I attended a birthday party for a newly acquired friend yesterday. I rode with another buddy and his family. We stayed beyond any reasonable level of comfort for myself and I was ready to leave. After offering congratulations and saying my goodbyes I was urged to stay a bit later. An additional hour and a half later would elapsed before we made our departure.

There was absolutely no reason I didn’t take a taxi and leave except I’d forgotten something my father taught me years before. Sometimes I suppose we have to relive, relearn, or remember some of the best lessons.

Today, Friday, June 7, 2019, I am grateful that:

Albeit too late for the situation, I remembered one of the many lessons my father taught. Hopefully if the occasion presents itself again, I’ll remember during the moment.

Even when I’m supposedly celebrating milestones I can be there for others and their milestones. It’s gratifying to be there for others, especially during milestones.

Although others behavior can be offensive to me I don’t have to react negatively to their behavior. I can either remove myself from the situation or create distance between that person and myself. People’s behavior isn’t always the way I’m accustomed. So I can either accept their behavior the way it is or if it’s truly offensive I can remove myself from the situation. I don’t need to continue to stay in a situation near people when they are behaving in a manner unacceptable to myself.

Restore Your Independence. Be Impactful!