It Bothers Me - Grasshopper

What doesn’t fit into your model of the world? Chances are, whatever it is bothers you.

I’m reminded of the British phrase: “A spot of bother.” And before a spot turns into a blot or worse, we would be well advised to put its size into perspective.

A molehill is not a mountain, but we can make it one, and often do.

When we sweat the small stuff and are all wet with fret, we drown our view with tiny drops of dew.

“Don’t let it bother you” is a directive without direction. Here’s a suggestion:

Notice that the rules you live by are not universal. Yes, “love thy neighbor” is etched in stone, but many of the other ones that make up your personal creed, countless others may not heed.

They got a different rule book.

If these folks mean enough to you, it may be wise to find out where you agree.

Reminds me of a story . . . As a kid I learned to play a card game called “500 Rummy.” Funny thing is when I went to play it at someone else’s house the rules were different. The objective of the game was still to be the first to score 500 points to win, but how you got there was subject to the nuances of their house rules.

You can stick to your guns and say your rules are the right ones or you can adapt. If your choice is not to play, alone you will stay with your rule book that says, “there’s only one way.”

People have different religions, politics, customs, habits, and conditioning. If that bothers you, take the time to adjust your view and see where you agree. It can determine whether you sit home alone or enjoy a rousing game of 500 Rummy.

All the best,