HAVE SOME UNDERSTANDING AND COMPASSION

Over the weekend I seen chaos ensue. I did not see exactly what happened but a car was about to turn in and a motor bike overtook them on the same side they were turning, which could have caused a crash. I was not in any position to see whether or not the car indicated, regardless, the biker should not have made that move on that side anyway. However, what happened following the near miss was the bike stopped, turned around and claimed the driver did not indicate. The driver and their passenger, got out of the car and began hurling abuse at the biker for not paying attention and for ‘dangerous driving’.

A GoPro at the front of the car caught the entire thing on tape, which the passenger stated again and again and again and again. Almost as if they had been waiting for something like this to happen so they could show off modern day technology, either way, it was there. What caught my eye was the immediate anger and unwarranted behaviour from the driver and the passenger to approach the biker, who was young and probably new on the roads, shouting and screaming at him.

By the time I got close enough, they had all walked away and the biker was driving off and the car was leaving. What I did not see the need for was such high pitch, aggressive behaviour from two people who spoke as if, in their entire lives, had never made a mistake once. What I seen from the young biker was a sorry, nervous and at this point quite taken back individual who will never make the same mistake again.

However, I wish people would be a little more understanding and compassionate in these situations and not react so impulsively because I am sure, in their lives, they have made mistakes themselves too. I try and apply this to my life all of the time and with great reward. Remember my 30-30 rule? If somebody says or does something to you and you are about to respond impulsively, take 30 seconds before responding. If someone does something similar but via message or not directly, take 30 minutes before responding. Analyse, understand and be compassionate wherever you can.

Chances are, you have made similar mistakes too.

YOU’RE PERFECTLY CAPABLE.