One Apple A Day #700 - Is it late enough?
I became aware of this behaviour of mine after I began driving to school. Before that, the only way to get around was by using public transport, so I was always on time.
And that was great for me because my lack of self-confidence meant that I've always despised being late. But once I began driving around on my own car, I loosen up. My punctuality started showing some cracks here and there.
And then I noticed it. I still remember the moment it happened.
I was late to school that morning. It wasn't the first time obviously, but on all the previous occasions I always managed to be in class before, or at least together, with the first teacher. As you can imagine, being a foolish teenager, I wasn't worried about taking a few risks and crossing some lines to get there on time.
But that morning I was really late. To get there in time, I would have to go way faster than I ever did before. I was approaching a crossing walk when I saw this old lady who was ready to cross. She was very slow, and I had all the time I needed to safely go through. Then, something clicked in my head. I stopped the car and waited for her to get to the other side. I still remember that voice in my head saying; "you're too late in any case, just relax and let go."
Anytime I'm a bit late, I get a bit anxious, and I do everything I can to recover and arrive on time. But when the delay is too significant, I let go. I acknowledge the setback, and deal with it but switching to a more relaxed gear.