On Friday my family and I watched the latest Star Wars movie, Rogue One.
I love the line one of the characters kept repeating whenever he was in trouble…
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
That line helped me to be the difference yesterday.
I was going for a walk in the park, when an unleashed dog came running after me barking like crazy. It was a little unnerving. My adrenaline skyrocketed. I didn’t know what this dog was going to do. It didn’t appear very friendly or playful.
The owner was nearby, clearly aware of what was going on, but did not acknowledge me. He didn’t apologize. He didn’t say that the dog was harmless. He just barked some commands at the dog.
I walked away, and shortly after my adrenaline settled down, the dog came after me again barking like mad. My killer survival instincts kicked in again, sending my adrenaline through the roof one more time.
I turned to face the dog, wanting to scream obscenities at the dog owner. I kept my mouth shut, however, not trusting myself to be able to say anything I wouldn’t regret later.
As I was making my way home, I thought about how this moment was so much different than the wonderful, peaceful morning meditation I had had earlier.
In my anger, I began considering the words I would compose for a Facebook post. My plan was to go on a tirade and write a scathing rebuke for all dog owners.
That’s when the words “be the difference” came to my mind.
I took a deep breath and thought, “Anyone can mouth off on Facebook, and often times people do.” I realized that I didn’t have to do that. I could be the difference.
I remembered the words…
“I am one with the force and the force is with me.”
So, whether it’s light sabers, barking attack dogs, crazy drivers, psycho neighbors or coworkers getting on your nerves…whatever troubles come your way this week, just remember that you have a choice how you’re going to react. You can be the difference.
May the force be with you!