This is a story about two points of view (POV).
POV #1: A gentleman buys a book of stamps at the post office. As he hands over his money, he grumbles quite loudly about the cost of stamps and how much they have risen. He doesn’t come right out and say it, but you know he’s thinking, “I remember when stamps used to cost…”
He annoyed and wears a sour face. He pockets his stamps, frowns, and plods out of the office.
It’s easy to imagine him complaining to the first person he sees.
POV #2: Another person buys a book of stamps, but instead of grumbling as he pays he says, “Thank you!”
He leans over the counter and tells the clerk:
“It was pretty hard not to hear how much that last customer was complaining. I know what it’s like. I’ve been in customer service too. So I wanted to give you something else to remember as you close up shop for the day, something instead of complaints. I want to tell you how grateful I am for the post office and its employees. Just imagine what you do! ”
“I give you a letter with a 44 cent stamp on it, and you’ll deliver it thousands of miles away for me! I know you handle millions of pieces a day, and yet it’s a rare occurrence when something goes wrong. I put a letter in the envelope, and I know it’s going to get to its destination. Thank you!”
And he smiled, and walked away.
***
I like this story because it so clearly illustrates choices we can make. It’s easy to be POV #1. All of his facts are true. Stamps have risen in cost over the years. To him it’s probably just one more example that everything costs too much these days. Maybe he’s on a fixed income and fears not having enough money.
But instead of focusing on the cost of a stamp, POV #2 chooses to focus on the value he gets for 44 cents. He enjoys the wonder and appreciation when he hands someone a letter and they agree to deliver it for a tiny fee. And he gets a lot of other benefits too. Where POV #1 is narrowly focused on what’s wrong (things cost too much), POV #2 chooses to see beyond the cost itself to something much greater.
As a result, not only does he feel better himself, but his openness allows him to take the time to try to make someone else feel better too. POV #1 probably doesn’t want to make people feel bad, but complaining about the cost of stamps to the clerk isn’t going to do anything to make stamps cheaper.
Both POV #1 and POV #2 were at the same post office on the same day, and paid exactly the same amount for their book of stamps. Who would you rather be?
How can you employ the POV #2 outlook? What can you choose to appreciate and wonder at?
***
Gordon Simmons is a musician, sculptor, songwriter, painter, writer, BMW motorcyclist, partner to My Happy Path contributor Tracy Brown, and father to an inspiring son. As his interests are varied, so is his expertise. He often collaborates with Tracy on projects that involve writing and editing, and is currently working on his own book, On The Run. Recently exploring the link between ambient music and meditation, Gordon has been honored to participate in the My Happy Path Rainbow Meditation Series.
Related posts:
