KINDNESS - vs - ROAD RAGE

Next week is "Random Acts of Kindness Week." Let's get an early start. In fact, why not be kind every day, every week? ...to everyone?

One of the greatest kindnesses that we can show each other is to think well about our safety. From that thinking, we are likely to become more patient, thoughtful, and forgiving. (Who among us has never done an "oopsy!" from time to time?)

Kindness in traffic can be challenging, especially when others do stupid and dangerous things. During 30 years of "driving for a living," I have seen more than a few ragers running rampant on the road. Not being authorized to pull them over and lecture them, it made no sense to chase after them, but it left me feeling angry that these clowns were endangering us all. That is what makes Road Rage" so dangerous; anger spreads like a virus, making more and more drivers impatient, less kind and thoughtful...

So, what is a rational driver to do? First, we have to remember that the only attitudes and behaviors we can change... are our own. Actually, that may be enough. The most powerful thing that we can do to influence the behavior of others is to set a good example. Many manic drivers are looking for someone to race them, or, simply take joy in irritating others. If we don't rise to the bait, it spoils their game. Each time we see rage, but stay calm, we win. Here is a rhyme I use to help keep cool:

"Road Rage Remedy" 

-gridlocksmith.com

We know a cheery fellow
Who likes the traffic mellow,
But, when drivers intrude,
With attitudes, rude,
He sometimes used to bellow!

He soon saw that was folly.
So, to make himself quite jolly,
He said, "Yes-sir-ee, Bob,
They're doing a fine job;
They keep me alert, by golly!"

When traffic has you in a bind,
And there's no short cut you can find,
To improve the flow,
Here's all you need know:
It's much better, when you are kind.

One of the most unkind things one can do in traffic is to be so disrespectful of others, that one becomes distracted by cell phone use and/or texting while driving! This can so easily lead to terrible consequences(video). I believe this sensible message should be viewed by every person who uses texting devices. Here is another blog post, dedicated to this issue. It includes more links and new lyrics (Dexter Texter) to an old tune (Davy Crockett).

When kindness is shared in traffic, whether we walk, cycle, or drive, we become part of the solution. We all can feel more relaxed, think more clearly, be safer, endure less stress and have healthier hearts.  

What a deal!

More articles, poems, photos and humor are at gridlocksmith.com.
Volunteers are needed to help kick off the new "Road-Peace Movement."

Remember the advice of Gandhi...
You must be the

CHANGE

you wish to see in

THE WORLD!

(Be safe out there.)

PURPOSE PRIZE NOMINATION

I think there were a couple weeks left to apply when I heard about "The Purpose Prize." It is set up by the same folks who promote "Encore Careers." It is for folks over 60, who have found a new purpose for which to work. Use the link to learn more.

Assuming that I needed to write an essay on the mission of gridlocksmith, a lot of time was wasted, I fear. It would have been better to simply click on "Nominate Now," so I could verify exactly what was required to submit my candidacy. Lesson learned.

They asked very specific questions, which I found helpful in my quest to briefly and succinctly share what I hope to accomplish, and the concept of "Road Peace." Below, are some of my responses, taken from their thoughtful email that acknowledged the nomination and provided a copy of the questions and answers. I am impressed by their thoughtfulness, kindness and clarity. Even if I win no prize, the experience has been helpful.


Specific focus: Traffic safety and attitude adjustment through the concept of "Road Peace"

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THE BIG IDEA--In 250-500 words, tell us the nominee's story. What's inspiring about it? What big social problem is the person tackling and how specifically is he or she going about it? What, concretely, does the work entail? Why is this innovative or entrepreneurial?

I want to encourage everyone to be part of the effort to improve traffic safety. (and, by extension, all kinds of safety, in and out of "workplace")
The question, "Can you imagine world peace while we are at war with each other on the road?" brings substance to the saying, "Think globally, act locally."
The concept of working for world peace by creating local, road peace, gives us each something relatively small to do (treating others with kindness, on the road) to begin changing the big picture.
We have lost more lives on our highways in any one of the last twenty years, than our military has lost overseas, in all of the last twenty years! Where is the media coverage? By establishing "Road Peace" as a step toward "World Peace," I think the media can be persuaded to give the issue higher priority. People who want peace will understand that modification of our road behavior holds many lessons that can be applied world wide.
It has been theorized that drivers become angry because they feel powerless. I believe that, just as social mores are more powerful than the rule of law (as regulators of behavior), we have great power when we stubbornly persist in setting good examples.
Attempting to address two needs at the same time, I have opened an online store (www.Zazzle,com/gidlocksmith*) to make available bumper stickers and other items that carry positive messages about traffic safety. As more items find their way into public view, income will be generated to help pay some bills.


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THE BEGINNING--In what year and at what stage in the person's career did the work or idea for which he or she is being nominated begin? What was the person doing immediately prior to starting this work? (Maximum length: 75 words)

The concept of "Road Peace" as a step toward "World Peace" was born during the last months of 30 years of driving for a living. My last employment (which ended in July, 2009) involved transporting patients to and from medical or therapy appointments. The death of a brother on the highway, in 1969, caused me to have thoughts about doing something regarding traffic safety, but had no solid idea of what I might attempt.

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IMPACT--Concretely, what impact has this work had on the community, the region, and the world? What have been the outcomes of the work in the past few years? (Maximum length: 150 words)

It is far beyond my abilities to measure the impact of any safety effort, nor could I attribute that impact to any particular campaign.
I do feel certain, however, that those who take up the challenge to set a safe example in traffic will benefit through less stress and danger. I feel that the motivation to do something good is a big factor in traffic law compliance.

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THE FUTURE--What specifically does the nominee plan for the next five years? Describe the specific role the nominee will take in these plans. (Maximum length: 100 words)

I am beginning to make contact with a number of traffic safety organizations, and am offering to volunteer my time to assist (and learn from) them. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is one group that I am already building a relationship with; I plan to participate in an event in Baltimore on May 8. Toastmasters meetings have helped me feel that I may soon be able to address large groups. My designing and writing poems will also continue.

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There is an outfit called "RoadPeace" that you may learn more about, here. They appear to be good folks, with some good ideas.

The gridlocksmith store has different departments... one is just for bumper stickers...




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Until next time, be safe and kind to each other.