Last week I had a yearly check up with my regular doctor. I left a little early for my 1 pm appointment because parking takes a while, and it was pouring. I arrived 5 minutes early (I know, I was impressed with myself too) and noticed there were 2 women checking people in, and about 9 patients in line.

By 1 pm, the time of my appointment, no one had been checked in. I was staring at the carpet, debating if it was installed in the 80s or 90s. Meanwhile, tensions were rising.

"It's 1:07. If we don't get checked in soon, we are leaving!" shouted one lady.

"This is RIDICULOUS" said another "they need more help around here!"

Just as I started to get sucked in to their negative energy, I remembered, oh YEAH, this is a totally neutral circumstance, and I get to decide how I think about it. I always have the power to think my own thoughts.

I chose to think "I've set aside 2 hours for this, and my only job is to see the doctor and be home by 3."

I wasn't upset by the wait. I was extra nice to the check in person, who seemed to be going as fast as she could. I felt gratitude for the fact that I love my home office, and that I don't have to work anywhere with yucky carpet and florescent lighting. I saw my doctor. We had a nice chat. I was home in plenty of time.

It wasn't the best experience of my week, but it was certainly just fine. You ALWAYS have the option to think whatever you want about a neutral circumstance. Waiting in line is neutral. Another person being mad is neutral. Rain is neutral.

PS My blood pressure was low, which I attribute directly to the fact that I did NOT get sucked into the bad waiting room energy!

PPS If you're ready to stop getting sucked into other people's negative energy, or want to learn to stop your own, set up a time to talk to me about 1 on 1 coaching.

Other People's Anger Doesn't Have To Be Yours