A Driving Lesson
Oct
I’m a complete asshole when I drive, I admit it. But I didn’t used to be that way.
Back when I was carefree and enjoying life, I could take the back roads, relax, and enjoy a nice peaceful drive. No More! When I’m on the road these days, I’m the jerk every one hates to have behind them. I drive way too fast and I WILL tailgate you until you get the fuck out of my way!
I honestly don’t think I can help it…I get so pissed off at everyone and everything that I have zero patience on the road. I fully understand that this is wrong and illegal, but I do it anyway. I’m just waiting for the day when I piss off the wrong person and they beat me to a bloody pulp. Then I’ll stop…maybe.
So I’m driving today being my usual prick self when a scraggly looking guy decides to walk out into the middle of the street. I’m approaching him very quickly and he’s not getting out of the way. Well, I’ve got shit to do and places to be. What’s a guy to do???
As I get dangerously close to him, I’m all set to begin my onslaught of cursing and flipping him off when all of a sudden he looks right at me and smiles…Now, this wasn’t a fuck off smile, it was a genuine smile. A kind of smile coming from a man who has no hate in his heart, the kind of smile that is true and forgiving.
In that moment, I realize that life is too short to be angry all the time. Why can’t I be like this guy? I’ve got a good life by most people’s standards (but not my own). I could easily be happy, but I’m not.
It’s these almost unnoticeable events that impact lives in a positive way and they are all around us. We just need to be open to seeing them.
Frank
I think that people take life for granted. Yes, you are unhappy in the corporate world. Sometimes though, you have to stop and smile. Not because you are happy with your job, or the way your life is going, but because you’re alive! All the things you are blessed with are the things that should bring a smile to your face. Your wife, your kids, your health, etc. So many guys out there have none of that. Veterans without limbs, homeless guys without families or jobs. That guy you saw could have noticed the unhappiness on your face and was smiling to bring just a hint of joy to your day.
Steve
You’re right. I definitely don’t take enough tine to appreciate the good things in my life. Sometimes it takes something like this to wake me up a little.
Lily
It is amazing how a stranger’s smile can change someone’s attitude in a good way. Totally agree life is too short, bad driving habit won’t make us happier and make life longer. They will bring pain to other people instead. Be a happy driver!