The other day I was relaxing on a park bench. I greedily inhaled the fresh air and went about enjoying the scene. I was chillin.’ I didn’t have to pee, I wasn’t hungry, and although my hair wasn’t combed I wore a hat. I noticed a group of thirty-somethings in ordinary gear cleaning the grounds. They were carrying stuff away in garbage bags, mowing the grass, and blowing the leaves. Just making a necessary ruckus. Sure enough, the disturbance grew louder as this crew with their machines came closer.

One dude who was blowing the leaves unapologetically came within a foot of where I sat. Instantly, dirt, leaves, pebbles, and sharp little sticks peppered my face! I had to get up and head for a safer distance. What a dick. Did the dude acknowledge that he’d blasted me with dirt? Yes, he was totally aware of it, but he didn’t care. He just kept coming closer and doing his measly job. When I got to a bench further away, I peeped at him. Apparently, he and the other workers were performing community service. So of course, he didn’t care. He even looked like he thought he was a tough guy.

Keeping a steady demeanor, I was able to study him without looking directly at him. Obviously, he was a bozo going far beyond the ordinary degree. And he’d unwittingly made me look like a better person than him by exposing me to his foolishness to which I responded by calmly departing and not accusing him of anything. The demon on my left shoulder whispered, “spit on him when he gets closer!” The angel on my right told me, “Don’t spit on him son. Kick him in the nuts!” I paid no attention to the good advice though. As it so happened, the day rolled along as smooth as oil, precisely because I stayed cool. I had no ideas of my good time having been spoiled.

Further contemplating the matter, I hoped the leaf-blower-wielding-madman might learn and grow from the example. When he observed my self control, he assumed an expression which made it look like he’d urinated on himself. I think I saw a wet spot on the front of his pants. With sprinkles on it. Either way, he understood he’d done something foolish. At any rate, he presented me with an opportunity to maintain my integrity. So when you think about it, he deserves a round of applause.

The point I’m trying to make is this: home is where the heart is, so keep your home free of germs. It’s better to keep an orderly conscious than to meddle with someone else’s messy mentality. Besides, taking the high road always leaves you with an inflated sense of self. Which of course is preferrable to a deflated sense of self. Though I’m far from perfect, I opted for the high road this time. Fortunately. Because it’s little interactions like these that go a long way toward shaping and reenforcing our worldview. When we try thinking and acting with as little frustration as possible, our whole world can improve, one little episode at a time.

If you really need to talk to someone though, don’t hesitate to call the Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. Or call 988.