Humility and going slow

(By the Pool -photo copyright Jon Luty)

So I was at the pool with Meghan a couple of weeks ago, and we were in the changing room putting our togs on. Meghan was taking forever to undress and put her togs on because she was too excited to tell me all these little stories about her day. I was one step ahead: already thinking about getting in the pool so I gently said to her, "Quickly!" to encourage her to go faster. When I said this Meghan looked hurt, and said "Don't tell me quickly. I am doing really good." Upon hearing this my heart dropped and I realised my mistake.

Of course she was doing good! It was me that needed the attitude check. I turned to her and said, "I'm sorry, Megs. You're right, you are doing good. Michelle shouldn't have said that."

What was I in such a hurry for? The pool was still going to be there, no matter how long we took to get dressed. And in my haste and sense of urgency, I was missing the opportunity to celebrate and delight in the things that had happened in Meghan's day.

Do you ever do this with people? How do you remember to slow down? Do you find it hard to apologise when someone calls you out on it? Love to hear your thoughts.