Sorry (Not Sorry) To Burst Your Bubble
We’ve all been there, whether it’s walking through an airport, the grocery store, the state fair, a concert, the farmer’s market, the street – any place where there are other people, really. And we’re moving along, getting to the place we’re trying to go, following the people who are seemingly headed in the same direction. And then you come to a complete halt. Because the person, or persons, in front of you have stopped dead. in. their. tracks. It may be to look at something or discuss something, or a number of other good reasons, but they stopped without moving out of the way of the flow of traffic. Why does this happen? Because, people live in a bubble of oneness – they are the only one that exists in their bubbles, and zero thought is given to the fact that there is an entire world going on outside of what you think is your bubble! Come on!
No one actually lives in a bubble. Far too often, though, we like to think we do. We like to think that something as simple as stopping in the middle of a congested area to take a phone call or look at an item for sale doesn’t affect anyone or anyone else around us. But it does. It makes everyone walking behind you have to stop, have to move around you – thus further affecting those walking in the opposite direction, or stopped on the other side impeding their own traffic.
But it’s not only about walking in crowded places. There are so many examples of our bubbleness (yes, I just created that word). Let’s throw out a few and how they are examples of bubbleness:
Talking on your phone in public. No one else really wants to hear about how your mom’s friend has a pus-filled, blistering rash and what the possible causes or treatments are for it.
Swearing in public. I get it. It is up to each individual to determine whether or not s/he wants to use foul language. But when you decide to use that profusely in a public place, your choice becomes everyone’s problem – especially if there are kids involved.
Blaring your car radio when you come to a stop anywhere. I am guilty of this when I drive. But, when I come to a stop anywhere, I turn the radio down so as to not inflict my choice of Dave Matthews Band on anyone who is not a fan. And I don’t want to hear your death metal when you pull up next to me. And I shouldn’t have to.
Angry complaints/outbursts in public. I get it. They didn’t have what you came in looking for, or can’t find it, and the customer service wasn’t great. Or maybe it was, and you are just such a jerk that you actually think it’s OK for you to start yelling at the person who is actually trying to help you – because it is in his best interest to make you a happy customer. Just stop.
Waiting in line. Think about the last time you were waiting in line at your favorite coffee place. You know there was that one customer who is so disgusted that she has to wait for all of these other people to order before she gets there. She huffs, puffs, fidgets, rolls her eyes, and is utterly disgusted when even one person in front of her doesn’t know what they want to order by the time they get to the front of the line. In all truth and fairness, this was actually me one day at that national coffee chain; even I’m guilty at times. For the briefest of moments, I actually considered myself better than everyone else in line – especially the person who didn’t know what to order (I mean, come on! The menu doesn’t change!) – and felt like I shouldn’t have to wait (I struggle with this in most lines; I’m working on it). And, then, I come to my senses and realize that I am just another person, no more special than the ones in front or behind me. I breathe, and it’s going to be OK.
There are, undoubtedly, countless other examples of bubbleness, but those name a few. And now that I’ve given examples, let’s actually define my new word.
Bubbleness: the belief that one lives in his or her own bubble and everything in the world revolves around that person and their bubble; having an oblivious lack of intentionality.
Everything we do has an impact on someone else, whether we realize it or not. Or, should I say, whether we want to realize it or not. Therefore, I want to be mindful of and responsible with my choices and actions. And I want you to be, also. No one lives in a bubble. Even if you thought you did, my actions could burst your bubble; so, you might as well figure out how to live outside of that bubble.
What are some examples of bubbleness you’ve seen? What are some examples of bubbleness you’ve done? How can you move forward being more aware living outside of your bubble?