Common sense is essential – keeping us balanced and safe in our everyday lives. I have observed, over the years, that some individuals pay attention and listen to their “gut” while others simply don’t. I believe that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is and that if it looks dangerous it deserves serious evaluation – always look before you leap. We must pay attention to the signals, trust our instincts and listen to our “spidey sense”.
I was working as an animal control officer and the state patrol pulled over a drunk driver. Apparently, the driver had stolen the car and a pet python. The police dispatcher told me they needed assistance with the removal of an eight-foot snake from the vehicle. When I arrived, the trooper told me the python was in the front seat next to the driver when they made the stop. But an officer needed to move the vehicle off the roadway so he used a shovel to put the snake in the trunk. I asked what kind of snake it was and he told me the driver said it eats rabbits and that is all they knew. Well, I grew up in the Midwest and have a great respect for snakes especially those that are poisonous. I was instantly on high alert because I had no idea what kind of snake I was actually dealing with.
We went to the vehicle and opened the trunk. I looked inside and there was no snake. I finally saw scales through a hole in the firewall. The trooper told me to reach in and pull the snake out. Okay, here comes common sense – no way was I going to do that! Instead, I requested they get the drunk driver out of the back of the patrol car and have him pull the snake out or they could simply reach in themselves. The officer told me there was no way he was reaching in which I found interesting since he had wanted me to do it. Although against protocol, they agreed to bring the man over and uncuff him so he could get the snake out. The gentleman was more than a little tipsy but he reached in and pulled out a six-foot boa constrictor. I had him put the snake in a pillow case and then I placed it in the animal control vehicle. Thankfully, the owner of the snake was also the owner of the car so we quickly traced him and I took the reptile home. The moral to this story is just because someone tells you to do something – it may not be in your best interest. I mean really – if someone told you to jump off a cliff, would you? Use your common sense and make a decision that actually makes sense!
Women in particular rely heavily on common sense in the workplace, raising children and in relationships with others. Common sense is a gift for some and must be cultivated in others. We all have that little voice that whispers in our ear – maybe it is time to finally listen to it!
- Lesson #5:Common Sense - August 6, 2019
- Lesson #4:Courage - June 25, 2019
- Lesson #3:Community - June 11, 2019