The Law of Garbage Trucks

--by nickgrand, posted Jan 28, 2008

[ Original story, by David J. Pollay ]

Sixteen years ago I learned an important life lesson, in the back of a New York City taxi cab.

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, skidded,
and missed the other car by mere inches! The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and started yelling bad words at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was actually friendly!

So, I asked him, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and could've sent us to the hospital!"

And this is when my taxi driver told me about what I now call, "The Law of Garbage Trucks."

"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. Instead, just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happier because you did."

Wow. That really got me thinking about how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? AND, how often do I then take their garbage and spread it onto other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I resolved, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

Since then, I have started to see Garbage Trucks everywhere. Just as the kid in the Sixth Sense movie said, "I see dead people," I can now say, "I see Garbage Trucks." :)

I see the load they're carrying ... I see them coming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

90.5K Reads

Posted by nickgrand
Jan 28, 2008
Comments (91)

Readers Comments

Tigerlily wrote: Oh... so many garbage trucks! I see them too! (I've been accused of letting people "dump" on me.) Like water off the duck's back, Baby! ;) Thanks for sharing. You're my kinda guy or gal or whatever.

AURELIA wrote: What an interesting way of looking at life. I will consider letting that garbage truck pass right by me. I'll smile and wave. Good advice. :) ~AURELIA

Nickgrand wrote: Tigerlily i am a boy :)

brighteyes wrote: Woooooooooooooh! This story stopped me in my tracks...that is FANTASTIC ADVISE and that taxi driver is so right....we do not need to add to the garbage....by smiling, waving and not replying back negatively we are helping to dissapate the dark emotions so bring in some light and smile and love....I AM FORWARDING THIS TO MY HOME EMAIL AS A KEEPER...THIS IS SAGE ADVISE WHICH I PLAN TO INCORPORATE IN MY LIFE AND MY OWN REACTION TO OTHERS GARBAGE..SMILES & APPLAUSE, Brighteyes ;)

cabbage wrote: Wow, that is a really good philosophy....
next time someone is rude etc., I will remember that! I also like the part about not spreading the "garbage" around others...
how true. Spreading smiles is so much better!
Thank you for your wonderful story.
Bless that taxi driver too!

theresa wrote: what a wonderful story and life lesson that taxi driver taught you that date. it is so true. i will remember that and tell my 2 adult sons to do the same. thank you so much for sharing your story

lOVEBUG wrote: To get my attention, there has to be humor involved. You did get my attention. I might run a copy and hang it on my bathroom mirror, so it catches my attention first thing in the morning. Just a great story. Thanks

cassiemeadows wrote: wow! that story was great. thanks for sharing it. that driver obviously had a lot of wisdom. Take care of yourself, have a good day xoxo

sathsath wrote: NICK, thats the onlyway.Last week my driver jammed a suden brake to save a man crossing the road,as he had to run faster he sweared at me,honestly i took great relief in just ignoreing,why should i jump my pressure

butterfly wrote: This is wonderful. it is very wise to understand not to take it personally, so much easier from a stranger!

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