Tash and I were grabbing groceries off the shelves, happily chatting away about what we needed.
We were both feeling good, doing our simple task when we crossed paths with an elderly man. Possibly in his 80’s. I love chatting with wise older people. I said something or other as I reached for the avos. I remember thinking he kinda looked like my Dad. And for a split second I thought this’ll be a nice exchange, a warm friendly convo and on we’ll both go, better for our connection.
We’ll ok, there wasn’t time for all that to go through my mind but you know what I mean. Often after giving a little time to strangers particularly when they look like they could do with some company, it lifts our vibrations a little. Energy is contagious and I was in the mood for sharing mine with Ol mate.
How wrong I was! I’m not sorry I tried but there was no way i was going to budge his life long anguish. He was stuck well and good in his negative mind control.
His first complaint was about the car park and how long we’re aloud to stay for free. Trying to stay up beat I said oh well, makes us get our jobs done quicker. Now I reflect – he had no reason to do anything quicker. He continued about the ownership of the building and how unjust it was to charge to shop there. (Yep, Aldi) Somehow I moved the convo along and asked where he grew up, thinking that could help him let go of the bullshit he was raging about. He told me he grew up in the country and spent time serving our country. “You must have so many amazing stories” I said. “O yeahThousands he said smiling!” I learnt he had 2 sons that he was so proud of.’ Does anyone call you poppy’ I said. Beaming now as he spoke of his beautiful grands.
Meanwhile Tash is way ahead still shopping. Glancing over wondering was I ever going to stop talking to my new friend.
Sadly his negative mind took hold again and he began a retort about construction in the area and his political preference. “I vote liberal but even he’s a dickdead he said”. Then he moved to the ICE tragedy. He didn’t call it that instead he had someone to blame for it. His eyes darting around as he tried to open the same plastic bag he’d been holding the whole time we stood together. Wish I’d help him with that bloody bag now!! Only when he spoke of his precious family and his life in the bush did he forget about the bag he was struggling with and softly hold his hands together in front and look me directly in the eyes. Only then did I get a glimpse at the real man.
It was really time to move on, nothing I said could say would stop his attachment to his stories. They were coming thick and fast now. I asked him to try to enjoy the rest of his day and moved on to find Tash. As I turned up another aisle shortly after, there he was pointing his finger, complaining to young worker about the oranges.
I hope my little shopping story is a big fat lesson about letting go of what we can’t change and having courage to change only what you can. Let’s not arrive at end of our short time on earth having been attached to the crap we can’t do a thing about. Let’s raise our collective vibration by wallowing in the joys of life and ALL the gifts we’ve been given instead.
I may never know but I can only hope the angry man in Aldi does the same. He’d better hurry though cause he ain’t got long to switch it! I add that with all my respect. It’s a fact nothing is permanent even life itself. Let’s not wait until we’re 80 something, let’s let go of all that we cant change TODAY.
Gratitude to old man for gifting us with a powerful reminder!!
