The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Find New You columnist Catherine Galasso-Vigorito on Page B3
While riding in the back of a New York City taxi, author David J. Pollay had an experience that greatly impacted him. Thereafter, he wanted to share the lesson with others. So he adapted what he learned into a philosophic message for life. Here is Pollay’s story: “I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, the car skidded, the tires squealed, and at the very last moment our car stopped just one inch from the other car’s backend.
I couldn’t believe it. But then I couldn’t believe what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around, and he started yelling bad words at us.”
Has a similar situation ever happened to you? There can always be something that tries to steal our peace and joy.
Pollay continued, “But then here’s what really blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, “Why did you just do that!? This guy could have killed us!”
“And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck.” The taxi driver said:
“Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you. So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You’ll be happier.”
This exchange got Pollay thinking, and he asked himself, “How often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the street?”
It was then that Pollay decided, “I don’t want their garbage… and I’m not going to spread it anymore.”
What’s filling your mind? Are you allowing what someone else said or did ruin your entire day? What’s holding you back from the abundant life God wants you to lead?
You may be struggling right now, for we’re not always responsible for everything that happens to us. However, we are responsible for how we react to what transpires.
Today, focus on what’s important in your life. “The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14) Your happiness and success is not contingent on the behavior of others or their negative words. Make a decision that says, “I’m going to be happy, and I’m not going to let anyone steal my joy.”
God hand-picked you and has a great plan for your future. You’re a winner, extremely precious and God’s most prize possession. Do you realize how valuable you are and how much you are loved? Thus, stand tall, be proud, and believe in yourself. Keep your heart and mind pure, optimistic and strong. Clear the clutter from your life. Make it a rule to eliminate negativity, any yelling, or needless gossip. Remember the old adage, “A fish would never get caught until he opens his mouth.” Likewise, sometimes, it is best not to say anything. Do not waste your time and energy talking about adverse conditions. It is our nature to want to tell someone our problems. Yet, once we share our concern with that one special, trusted friend, and come to a conclusion about it, we must leave it alone and not speak of the issue again. By rehashing the dilemma repeatedly, we exaggerate it and it does not accomplish any good.
Is somebody is talking bad about you? Are you letting other people’s ‘hot air’ change your mood?
Take into account that no person or circumstance can cause you to be unhappy unless you allow it. Criticism or detractors can upset you only to the extent that you buy into it. Therefore, try not to let situations out of your control disturb your peace of mind.
Rather, keep your mind on the good things of God, and off of the things you do not want. Carry calmness, serenity, and contentment with you, and let it enfold you like a soft, comfortable, warm blanket.
Be on guard. Associate with people who have an optimistic mind-set. And be watchful of those whose tendencies are to be negative or pessimistic. Spirits are transferable; and within a short time, this type of person can take away your most wonderful aspirations. A while back, a reader wrote to me and explained how she had been involved in a toxic relationship. Yet, she found the strength to end it. Stepping forward by faith, she took back control of her life. She began to seek God’s will and allowed her still, small voice within lead her in the right way. “I prayed and asked God to show me the best path that He had set for me,” she noted.
Then, this reader described how several months later, she seized an opportunity. She changed career directions and decided to go to night school. Coincidentally, in one of her classes, sitting next to her was a kind, gentle man. They started dating and a few years later they got married. She concluded her note with, “Life is now better than I ever imagined.”
Seek out joy-filled, encouraging individuals. They’re there. Mother Teresa had only two requirements for those working with her in Calcutta. The first was a ‘desire to work.’ And the second requirement was a ‘joyful attitude.’ A dear friend encouraged, “Always think and be positive… life is too short not to.”
So, let more garbage trucks ‘pass by.’ Focus on what’s important. And you will be happier, peaceful, and live the abundant life God has in mind for you.