Law of the Garbage Truck: By David J. Pollay

Clearly, the name of this blog has to throw you off. But please, keep reading. I was presented with this not too long ago, and it marinated to the point that I felt it was mandatory for me to share it with you and whoever you may want to do the same with. It sort of had that Pay It Forward effect on me. So, here it is. . .


David J. Pollay, the author of The Law of the Garbage Truck™. http://davidjpollay.typepad.com/david_j_pollay/lawofthegarbagetruck.html


One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off to 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 inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling as us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? The guy almost just ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught us 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, full of frustration, full of anger and full of disappointment. 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, home, or on the streets. The bottom line is successful people do not let grabage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!


Have a blessed, garbage-free day!


Now, while I hope this does inspire those who need it including short tempered, sensitive or just plain angry individuals... and while I am in no way trying to be or sound racially bias, of a more culturally diverse backround... I feel as a biracial woman myself that it may be more challenging for someone of a minority backround to find it that easy to simmer down, count to ten and breath. However, that doesn't mean that it's not possible. Practice makes perfect and if we all as a unit take the time to think before we speak and react, we can make this world a better place. I can't tell you how many times road rage has gotten the best of me or even how many altercations I've gotten into because somebody else was having a bad day, simply because I carry that "never back down" attitude that's been with me since I can remember. But, having gone through so many unecessary trials and tribulations through finishing the fight has only made me realize that a lot of that could have been avoided if I had only not taken it to heart, and just went on about my day. In other words, my pride and joy got the best of me ultimately ruining my day simply because I couldn't just keep it pushing and just walk away from the situation. Don't get me wrong. There will be times when that won't be the case when you'll just have to roll up your sleeves, and take care of business the old fashioned way. Sorry for them because although you may not have started the fight, yoou're going to finish it. My point is, that's not the only way to go through life. Fighting is not (always)the answer. Set an example and spread the love. You never know what that person is going through. You may not care, and I don't blame you. All I'm saying is try to be more considerate. Think outside the box. Maybe it's not a complete stranger that's doing you wrong, but like I said. . . There's probably a reason behind that reason that they're acting the way that they are. While it may not be your responsibility to find out what it is, don't add fuel to the fire. Be the bigger person, build a bridge and get over it.