What's important?

Ever notice how what's so important in one moment, becomes a blip on your screen at another moment? I think what creates this ever changing scale of importance is the story we are telling ourselves. I am surprised how I can feel spacious and relaxed as I travel in my car one time and the next I am uptight and yelling at everyone to get out of my way... don't they know who I am? When I'm telling myself I am late and I have to get there right now... tension, clenched teeth, bad karma!!! On the other hand, if I hear, "relax you're early", I sense a calmness in my body and an easy pace in my driving and attitude. Oh to remember this at the time I am uptight and simply change my story. Kinda like changing the radio station when I am not enjoying what I am hearing and keep searching until I hear something that is more positive or pleasant. Mostly if I can remember to say the word "compassion" it is a touchstone for me to come present and be at choice. Anyone else have a way you like to remind yourself of what I can your "humanness"?