Recently, something occurred which caused me a lot of dismay, but mostly, a lot of disappointment in someone who seemed so very nice, and gave every indication of wanting to be friends. As it turned out, that was not the case at all, and it bothered me, a lot. But then, the same thing happened to one of my friends on here, and it really seemed to hurt her.
I, more or less, knew why it happened to me, but my friend was totally in the dark as to why it happened to her. I think we both let it bother us too much.
A couple of days ago I came across this article, and saw some pretty good advice offered for dealing with unpleasant situations, instigated by insensitive people. I think we can all benefit from it. There will always be insensitive people, treating others shabbily, to further their own self interests, so the sooner we learn to just consider the source, and get on with other things, the better off we'll be.
"How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly she can get back her focus on what's important.
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 if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?
Here's my bet. You'll be happier. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so…Love the people who treat you right.Forget about the ones who don't.Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, TAKE IT! If it changes your life, LET IT!Nobody said it would be easy...They just promised it would be worth it! "
*Excerpts from "Beware of Garbage Trucks," by David J. Pollay
11 comments:
Hi Jan, I've let a lot of people dump their garbage on me in the past, but these days I don't let it bother me. Someone else's misery and anger will no longer bring me down. I feel that all my experiences with others who have hurt me in the past and continue to try now, has made me a much stronger person than I use to be.
I usually chalk it up to anxiety because of their need to be heard; that's when I'm feeling generous, which isn't too often. Mostly, I think there a narrow minded,egotists who simply can't abide others having a different opinion. I don't mind sharing a difference of opinion or even a spirited debate, as long as it is done within the context of mutual respect. Once the name calling starts, the situation has deteriorated to the point of being pointless. When someone tries to bait me in this manner, I just smile and calmly point out their childishness. That usually triggers a showing of their true colors in full bloom. Then I ignore them, because as your post so simply points out; life is too short.
Hmmm... a good point, but then what the hell would I have to blog about? ;)
LOL, Sue, it does make good blog fodder on a slow day, doesn't it?
I have a habit of letting garbage trucks ruin my day but I have been working on it.
Blessings are all around us. Simply choosing to look at them instead of the garbage truck is what I want to do.
Take Care
michael
I have trained in defensive driving, I do my best to avoid garbage trucks and wreckless drivers in general. This is also why I make a lousy passenger. I have to be in the drivers seat.
Lydia..yes, adversity does teach valuable lessons.
rockync..yes, being narrow-minded does make a drag on friendship, and when one expects you to censure someone they disagree with, and then censure you because you don't..well, how valuable is that friendship, anyway?
sue..you know we love your blog, no matter what it's about it, and one of the reasons for that is that you are NOT narrow-minded! :)
Michael, you are so right. Too often we fail to look at the really important things in our lives, and focus on the negative ones.
I think we are all responsible for our own happiness.
Vin...I know what you mean! LOL
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