“Patience Grasshopper!”

I love that line from the classic movie – Kung Fu. Today I throw it around whenever I want to cause someone to smile and reflect. And yet, for all its fun there is a deadly serious message within those two words.

Case in point. I recently got a poison-pen email from someone who went on a libellous rip. However, I learned my own special application of the ‘patience grasshopper’ quote and did not react. I merely re-read it and wondered why?

You see, if the person had taken the time to check their facts, had picked up the phone or even emailed me first to enquire, they would have learned the foundation for their negative naysaying was in fact groundless. It was a case of acting in haste. They got their facts wrong and thus drew the inevitably wrong conclusion. A huge slice of humble pie is in order… a bruised ego anyone?

So my point is this… before you decide to write someone a cutting, mean-spirited, dose of negative energy (which could be used in a court of law) … patience grasshopper. It will serve you well, and save you from getting egg on your face.

Now go and meditate on the sound of one hand clapping…