Remember to take a deep breath

It has been quite a while since I last wrote a column … It started off with a few weeks where I literally didn’t know if I was coming or going, and ended with me being too intimidated to start typing again.

Over the last five years, I have come to know so many of you and really enjoy receiving your letters, phone calls, complaints and compliments – so please be assured, I am still here, alive and kicking. I apologise for not writing this column on a regular basis.

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While I have been super busy, I am sure many others have also started feeling the pressure of the year coming to an end. One of our HR managers joked with me that this is the silly season. Everyone is on edge, from the work place, to the students at Wits. We all seem to be fighting our own battles, and the problem is that it seems no one is able to come up for some air. While the busy season may be a upon us, we need to remember that while we are stressed, everyone else is too.

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I was driving to work the other day when a car overshot the stop street. The man who had been peacefully driving in front of me, stopped his car, got out and started walking toward the driver who had accidentally overshot the intersection.

He was so mad … and thinking the situation could get a little more heated than any of us would like, I overtook him and hooted. Once the man realised what he had just done and saw my facial expression, as well as the shock on the other drivers’ faces, he quietly returned to his car to continue on his journey.

While my near road-rage incident does not affect any of you, I thought it was a great example of how important it is right now to remember to breathe and keep calm.

Be nice to the people around you.

Your bad day does not have to affect the rest of us – even though letting your frustrations out on someone else can sometimes make you feel better.

The man helping you park your car, the woman packing your groceries or the poor call-centre agent who happens to call you at the wrong time does not deserve your wrath.

It is the silly season. We are all going to make some mistakes, so let’s be patient with one another.

When the rain finally comes (and let’s hope it comes soon) and the holidays begin, no one will feel good about their erratic actions and sly comments to others.

It might be hard some days – but try to smile at those who you pass. Your smile could be just the thing that changes their day.