Thank you, Donald Trump.

September 30, 2020

For all of my working life (and personal life to be honest), I got called down for interrupting people when they were talking.

 Okay Mike, I see you shaking your head. You tried.

 My favorite corrector of this habit of mine is actually my friend, Jack. He simply continues his thought and says, “Let me finish please.”

 Isn’t that a graceful way to correct someone’s total lack of grace?

I think age has helped me get better at this dreadful action. I’m certainly more aware when I slip and do it these days. The slight delay in zoom might also be helpful. It’s training me to wait longer for the pause. Has anyone else noticed that?

 And by the way:

 If there’s one major PLUS of aging, it’s self-awareness.

 Last night, like many American’s I watched the debate. I know, I know. I don’t discuss politics on social media but I’m breaking my own rule and doing it just this once as an experiment. I promise to go back to sunshine and flowers right away.  

 Well. Last night seeing two grown men interrupt each other for an hour (I fell asleep for the last bit)… well, I’m cured of  my interruption habit. Donald was nothing short of stunning as an interrupter. I could not see or hear anything else. I sat stunned really.

 Interrupting someone is a ridiculous act of disrespect and lack of self-control on his part.

 And sadly mine.

Forgive me if I have ever interrupted you. Also, please make me a promise if you’re reading this and interact with me. IF I ever slip up and interrupt you, out of passion for what I’m sharing or whatever dumb excuse I’ve used in the past, PLEASE correct me. Call me on that crap.

Jack’s method is wildly effective by the way.

 I hope the candidates watch themselves over and over and make the next debate more tolerable. Do you think they will?

So, thank you Donald. You gave a me a huge and hopefully final wake up call.

Did you learn anything watching the debate?

I’d love to know.  Just for kicks and giggles, let’s not make any learnings or aha moments about taking a specific side. That would be so nice for a change. For instance, don’t say “Donald Trump is an idiot.” Or “Joe Biden is sleepy.” Just let me know if you learned anything.

By the way, I loved when Joe said this about his son and I think there is a big learning here:

“My son, like a lot of people you know at home, had a drug problem. He’s overtaken it. He’s fixed it. He’s worked on it and I am proud of him. I am proud of my son.”

Whew, what a better world we’d live in it we had more compassion for people in recovery. It’s hard work. And everyone who has worked hard to manage this disease deserves our admiration and respect.

OUTLOUD.

So am saying it here:

I am so freaking proud of all you people who have the disease of addiction and have found ways to manage it!

Now take a minute and share what you learned from the debate.

Go.

PS. This article is really full of great tips for us interrupters.