Remember Grandma’s Wisdom

Younited Front Pledge

It started with an appliance delivery that resulted in a dropped dishwasher which I sent back. I’d spent hours on the phone with the big-box appliance company arranging for a new unit, and now trying to figure out why that replacement dishwasher hadn’t arrived. When it finally arrived, it, too, was damaged and had to be returned, so it was back to the phone. As if that wasn’t enough, the cable company decided to join in, hitting me with misinformation about my equipment problems. Each phone call sent me spiraling further into a loop of "Please hold," department transfers, and scripted apologies. After several days of this, I was beyond frustrated—I was furious.

It was the kind of anger that makes you mutter to yourself while pacing the room. But in my rage, I remembered my grandma’s inspiration box, a little treasure trove of wisdom I’d collected to fix a bad day. Desperate, I pulled out a small bit of paper: "I accept the gifts before me, and I accept the best in everyone, including myself."

It stopped me in my tracks. Here I was, ready to verbally wrestle customer service reps, and this little quote reminded me that I wasn’t exactly being my best self. I had let my emotions hijack several days.

I realized I could approach these situations differently. I can manage my expectations, step away when things get heated, and keep perspective—it's just a dishwasher and some cable equipment, certainly not the end of the world.

So, here’s my pledge: to pause, to laugh at the absurdity, and to remember Grandma’s wisdom.

Serenity Township

I love this post. So true and can be used many times during the day.

Slipstream

I'm glad you found my meltdown helpful 😃

Present Valley

A beautiful example of how a mindful pause allows reverence for what the situation really is and hospitality for the emotions so you could connect with grandma's wisdom and not allow them to hijack you. A great reminder!

Slipstream

I hope these situations can be kept to a minimum, but I'll have this experience to reflect upon if it does.

Wilsons Grave

Your grandma's a peach. Mine used to say, "now there ain't no use in getting your liver into a boil." But easier said than done. I enjoyed your post. Warmed my heart.

Slipstream

I'm working hard on keeping my liver cool 🌞Thanks for your support.

Bootstrap

Been there, done that. Thanks for the tips.

Slipstream

I hope it helps you.

Well Street

I imagine your frustration mounted only after several transfers and requests to "Please hold while I connect you." I've known people who come out "guns a-blazin'" with the first customer service rep who answers their call, followed by large doses of yelling and swearing.

I admire your ability to pump the brakes, lean into the resource of Grandma's wisdom, and see the situation through a calmer lens. It's too bad they can't teach that in school.

Slipstream

I know it'll take practice, but I don't like the damage anger does to my body. It's up to me to make the change because I know the stores and institutions are not going to change. Thanks for your support.