My OperaIt’s Not Always About You
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 6:29:37 AM
I took the afternoon off to be sure that I could be at home when my new car was delivered. My sister-in-law drove it into town from Montreal, the place where it was bought. (I know…isn’t that nice???) After she came, we went for lunch and spent the entire afternoon together until the time I had to drive her to the airport so that she could catch a flight back home. After dropping her off, I called the office to check in. I talked with Jacqui, our Director of Communications, discussing the details of our booth at the virtual convention coming up. I was driving and chatting and admittedly still adjusting to the size and nice features of my new car. I was not as focused on the road as I should have been when suddenly I turned my gaze partially to the left and noticed a police car driving slowly beside me.
Uh oh. He got me. He must have seen me on the phone, not paying attention to my driving. I saw him looking at me. In just one second flat I said to Jacqui that I needed to go and I hung up on her without actually saying goodbye.
My mind started running wild. Perhaps I was driving too fast. Or maybe he would pull me over because of not having a registered vehicle. Perhaps he is going to comment on my 11-year-old son sitting in the front seat (although I know he is old enough). Perhaps he is going to tell me that I am not a responsible mother. Perhaps he's looking for a criminal and he believes I’m her. All of the sudden he slowed down and pulled up right behind me. The lights on top of his roof started flashing. Oh God, I’m cooked…
I needed to stay collected just for the sake of my son in the car. But guilt was written all over my face. I began to think about what I was going to say… “It’s a new car and I'm not used to the larger size. That is why I am driving in two lanes…” “My son has a small bladder and he absolutely needs to use the restroom right now. That is why I am driving too fast...”
I pulled over and waited for my reprimand.
I looked in the rear view mirror to see him drive around me to catch up with the car ahead of me up the road.
Holy smokes! I breathed a sigh of relief and burst out laughing with my son. It wasn't about me.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.
Uh oh. He got me. He must have seen me on the phone, not paying attention to my driving. I saw him looking at me. In just one second flat I said to Jacqui that I needed to go and I hung up on her without actually saying goodbye.
My mind started running wild. Perhaps I was driving too fast. Or maybe he would pull me over because of not having a registered vehicle. Perhaps he is going to comment on my 11-year-old son sitting in the front seat (although I know he is old enough). Perhaps he is going to tell me that I am not a responsible mother. Perhaps he's looking for a criminal and he believes I’m her. All of the sudden he slowed down and pulled up right behind me. The lights on top of his roof started flashing. Oh God, I’m cooked…
I needed to stay collected just for the sake of my son in the car. But guilt was written all over my face. I began to think about what I was going to say… “It’s a new car and I'm not used to the larger size. That is why I am driving in two lanes…” “My son has a small bladder and he absolutely needs to use the restroom right now. That is why I am driving too fast...”
I pulled over and waited for my reprimand.
I looked in the rear view mirror to see him drive around me to catch up with the car ahead of me up the road.
Holy smokes! I breathed a sigh of relief and burst out laughing with my son. It wasn't about me.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.
