Dear Jan,
I had a small but profound moment this morning. No, it wasn’t when the endodontist rasped his way nearly into my sinuses in an effort to clean out my “unusually small root canals” on the tooth that is getting crowned next week. It was about 45 minutes earlier.
I was sitting in the dental chair, waiting for the doctor to come and start the procedure, and listening to the radio station that was playing. Rather, I was trying not to listen, as the morning talk show in which the DJ’s were inciting Vikings fans to eviscerate Packers fans (and vice versa) was not exactly a relaxing prelim to my root canal. And that’s when I realized - it isn’t just civility in my politicians that I’m seeking with the Warm Hats Not Hot Heads campaign. It’s civility with each other.
And I felt like I owed it to every person out there who is knitting a hat to simply ask to have the radio channel changed. Not to make a fuss, or point fingers, just to point out that this nasty discourse dressed up as entertainment was not helping me relax, so it wasn’t helping the endodontist do his job, either.
I did, asking quite civilly and framing it up as the current channel wasn’t helpful to the procedure, and with no question and more than a little apology, the channel was changed. And maybe, just maybe, some more awareness was raised. It’s tiny grass roots efforts like this, repeated many times by many people of good heart, that will raise the standard of behavior for all.
It didn’t change the amount of ibuprofen I’ve needed to take over the course of today, but it did make me feel a lot better about myself and also about that entire office.
Love,
Ellen
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
February 19th, 2011 at 12:40 am
Well done. Thank you.
February 19th, 2011 at 10:30 am
Fantastic. I have been having similar epiphanies all week (though happily no root canals!). I hope the tooth is feeling better!
February 20th, 2011 at 1:14 am
What a great thing you did!
February 20th, 2011 at 9:16 am
I have been wondering all week how to “turn off” the discourse of certain talk show hosts that describe hard-working teachers, nurses, fire fighters, and other public servants who seek to retain the rights they have fought for over the years as ‘low lifes, whiners and bottom feeders.’
February 20th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Good for you!! I think you’re right - it’s the small acts that bring awareness that are the most telling and meaningful. Thank you.
February 20th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Be the change you wish to see! Brava!!
February 24th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
Funny how it’s sometimes the small things that matter. It’s amazing what we consume out of habit without even noticing; I’ll bet that the people in the office weren’t really even aware that it was on. It’s probably just the same station that they always listen to, just running on in the background. Amazing what those background noises can do to change an environment.
February 25th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I agree with Jocelyn! Good for you!
I’m finding myself more aware, too, and being less *itchy in my requests that folks “tone it down.”