Where You Stand Depends on Where you Sit

My dad has an expression that I’ve been reflecting on lately.  He often says “where you stand depends on where you sit.”

In other words, your belief about a thing depends a lot on how that thing affects you personally.

For him, he is usually referencing politics. Should we raise taxes to expand government services? Well, how much you are paying in taxes and how you benefit from those government services will have a significant impact on how you think about that question.

But I’m not writing this today to talk about politics. I was actually thinking about this expression recently in a much more pedestrian context.  Literally pedestrian!

There is a 4 way stop sign on a very busy street near my house - and I pass through it every day. Usually I’m driving, but often, I’ll walk across the crosswalk as well.

And recently I’ve noticed a curious thing.

When I’m driving and someone else is walking across the crosswalk - I am SO impatient with them.  “Can’t they move faster? I’ve got somewhere to be!”

And then, when I’m the one walking across the crosswalk, I find myself thinking “man these drivers are so aggressive!  Chill out people! I’m walking here!”

I get frustrated in both situations!

Even though I was in the other person’s shoes (or seat) less than 24 hours ago - in the moment - I find it really difficult to empathize with them. I can't get out of my own perspective.

I’m hoping to flip this nuisance into a learning opportunity. (AFGO IYKYK)

The crosswalk gives me a chance to practice catching myself being stuck in my own perspective.  Which is often an unproductive place to reside.

And, I hope it gives me more patience when I approach someone else with a different perspective. If I were in their seat, I'd probably feel the same way they do!