"COMMON COURTESY"

             "Thank you!"

     "Excuse me."

     I just love these words, recognizing the good deeds of others or simply to let others that one is aware of the other's presence and does not wish to intrude into that person's space - simple politeness. But, as I navigate through the "crowds" or offer a gift to others, the words seem to be in short supply lately. 

     I'm in a restaurant and the bill comes due. It is my decision to "tip" for extraordinary service, at my discretion, average 15% or more. This "tip" is referred to as a "gratuity," a THANK YOU, for services rendered. My THANK YOU depends on the quality of services offered - and, I do say "Thank you!" in the form of the gratuity. And, in turn, receive a "Thank you!" from the recipient of said gift. 
     Maybe.
     I've navigated crowded aisles in stores, only to be bumped or "sideswiped" by some relentless patron, out to break the speed record and reach the check-out before me. I don't really mind, but, to where has simple politeness vanished? 
     I examine my own responses to people, and, I have to admit, find myself uttering "Excuse me..." or "Thank you..." when appropriate.
     How about you???
     Are you polite?

"INSTANT MESSAGING,ETC. - INSTANT COMMUNICATION?"

     FaceBook, Twitter, Texting, AIM..."Instant communication"! Yeah... But...are we any more connected and in touch with those with whom we have established relationships? Have we developed deeper, more lasting relationships with the speed with which we now have at our fingertips? 
     What do you think?

"LIFE IS ABOUT CREATING YOURSELF..."

     ...and, NOT about finding yourself. I came across this statement not long ago, written by a "career coach" in one of his weekly columns. I got to thinking..."Hmmm...!?!" I remember trying to "find ourselves" in the 1960's...we read about "transcendentalism" as espoused by Emerson and the Maharishi Yogi, followed, in earnest, by the Beatles. Then, we listened to Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and got even more lost! It has since dawned on me that creation rather than location is much more constructive. We have choices, the means to BECOME anyone we wish, if we so choose.


    What are your thoughts?