Over the years I’ve collected a number of bookmarks, almost all of them being gifts from friends.
The metal camper one is from Bill, my bison bookmark is from dear friends, Debbie and Doug, out in Wyoming, the crooked one with the multi-colored tassel was made at adult coloring night at the library (funny story behind that one), the small square ones are actually magnetic clips (very cool) from a dear coworker, the green Dr. Seuss was made by my former boss, a fellow bookworm, and the typewriter one was a gift from my sister.
As I thought of ways to share this collection, a memory came back to me that has since been one of life’s “bookmarks”, a moment in time that’s always stayed with me.
The world is an imperfect place.
Years ago I sat near a lady at work that would lose her mind over every inconvenience, however minor it was. One day she was going off about something and a co-worker of hers said, “When did you first realize that the world is an imperfect place?”
She said nothing for a few seconds, and I’m in my cube biting my lips together to keep from exploding with laughter. The silence said it all. I knew she was taken aback and thinking, “What did you just say to me?” It was the kind of person she was.
I don’t remember what happened after that but I’ve never forgotten that day. It’s so true. The world is a VERY imperfect place. Things happen. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t sweat the big stuff you have no control over. And for God’s sake stop throwing fits, you’re just giving more airtime to the problem. Fix it if you can, or help to. And if not, give yourself a bit of time to be annoyed and then move on.
To this day, those words still pop into my head (along with a chuckle at the memory) when something minor goes wrong and it takes me back to that page in my life. I won’t say I don’t get frustrated like she was, but remembering that comment is what I need each time to just let it go.
Probably my favorite bookmark of all.