A Dead Employee is of No Use

Running Late? Just Relax

Lee Hansen
Because of my laid-back personality, I never see the need to be in a rush. When I worked I would leave and give myself ample time to arrive a few minutes before work officially was to begin. This is the same attitude I have even now when I have an appointment or event to attend.

Sometimes my well-intentioned plans are disrupted by things that I have absolutely no control over. Oh yes, I cushion in a little extra driving time just in case. But let's face it, accidents, traffic jams or emergencies are not easily predicted, if at all.

Have you seen some impatient drivers driving on the shoulder of the road as if that will solve the problem? Doesn't it irk you when they try to nose their way into your lane once the road has ended and there's no place to go? Just what did they accomplish other than becoming more frustrated?

And what of that anxious driver that is riding so close to your bumper? Is that near nudging supposed to accelerate you into action? While it might be tempting to yell something to them, you soon realize that we live in the unfortunate age of road rage. It's best to just keep your mouth shut.

Perhaps these delays can give us a time to calm ourselves and relax. Accept the fact that you might be late. If you have a cell phone you might want to call your boss or your place of appointment to let them know.

When you find yourself running late it's best to keep level-headed. Getting yourself in an uproar will only make you less cautious and careful.

If you keep a stash of music CD's in your car, this might be a time to play one of them. I find that audio books offer a positive distraction while keeping me relaxed. If it appears that you might be stuck for quite a long time, turn off your gas, especially if the problem has not been solved after a reasonable amount of time.

Quiet as it's kept, that job will run without you and that appointment can be rescheduled.

So breathe in, relax and focus on getting to your destination safely, even if you're late.

SOURCE:

Personal experience

Published by Lee Hansen

I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education.  View profile

  • Sometimes you can't control when you're late for work or an appointment.
  • It irks me when people drive on the shoulder of the road or ride close to your bumper.
  • If you're in a traffic jam relax by listening to a music CD or audio book.

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  • Betty Asphy4/22/2011

    I agree Lee. So many times see people rushing, when they do not realize they can endanger themselves and others.

  • Delicia Powers4/9/2011

    Wise advice, Lee!

  • Melissa Matters4/6/2011

    I'm laughing b/c the last time I was driving in Los Angeles, there was this man that changed lanes about ten times. There was a traffic jam and he kept going from one lane to the next but not really getting any further ahead. Great job Lee.

  • Claire Luna-Pinsker4/6/2011

    Good for all those road rage drivers, ones wanting to make it a minute faster and kill someone in the meantime. Great essay.

  • Nicole A. Thomas4/6/2011

    I love the title! Excellent points, thanks.

  • Sandy James4/5/2011

    Something that I lived by was that my inbox was never going to be empty; it'll be there regardless.

  • rmharrington4/5/2011

    Lol. I always like to beat the steering wheel and look real mean. Gives people something to talk about for months. Ok, maybe not.

  • Mike Powers4/5/2011

    Outstanding advice, thanks!

  • Spy Radio4/5/2011

    Good points, work is always going to be there no matter what time you arrive.

  • Kristen Warning4/5/2011

    Yes, a few extra minutes is a luxury but sometimes my kids squander my idea of that :) Deep breaths!

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