The Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us! My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, really friendly. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.” He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage (frustration, anger, disappointment, etc.). As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

Reflection

Successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. It’s really not worth experiencing life based on someone else’s bad mood and negativity. This is something we are all familiar with… It just takes one person’s negative attitude to ruin your day. Don’t let this happen - in fact you have the potential to turn that person's day around for the good. Just because someone seems to be in a bad mood, it doesn't mean they are constantly angry or depressed. They are just likely having a bad day and yes, we all have those days. Instead of allowing people to dump their mood on you, be extra patient with them and offer them a friendly smile and a liltle assistance.

Have a garbage free week ;)
Darren Zwiers

“Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day.”  ~Unknown