Written by Banchi

The other day I took a taxi to take me home from work. The traffic was like crazy.

Without even going too far, another car slammed into the taxi. Luckily we were not hurt. The taxi was barely scratched.

But, I dreaded the confrontation that was coming. The driver of the taxi got of his car, I followed. He looked at his car.

He then turned to the driver of the other car who has approached him by that time.

Any minute now, they are going to have it. I was saying to myself.

But none of what I expected happened.

The driver of the taxi told the other guy that everything was ok and none of us were hurt.

He then turned back to his taxi and started the drive again.

I was shocked, I looked at his face. There was none of the anger that is expected at this kind of situation.

I expected torrent of angry words from him at the person who has damaged his car (even if it is a small one). I expected him to be crushed and devastated.  And more importantly, where is the anger?

Or maybe he is too calm. It may be the calm before the storm.

When would the explosion come?

I waited few minutes. Nothing. I could not stay silent anymore.

I asked him why he is not angry. I added the fact that he is not even a little bit fazed by what has happened.

He gave me an astonishing answer.

“Most people run around full of anger and full of frustration all the time. As it is their habit, they can’t help it. I have learned a long time ago not to let such kinds of people affect me. I choose how I feel, NOT THEM. So, when someone wants to dump his negative emotion on me, I don’t take it personally. I smile, wave and move on. That way, I am much happier.”

So, here is my lesson for you.

How often do you let people run right over you?

How often do you take their negativity and spread it to other people at work, at home or on the street?

Take back control of your life. Make room for the good by letting go of the bad.

Decide ahead of time that YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN DECIDE HOW YOU FEEL IN ANY MOMENT.

“Oh, My Positive Self, whose voice I hear in the winds.

   And whose emotion gives life to all the world.

   Hear me! I am here and alive.

   I need your strength and wisdom.

   Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes

   Make my hands respect the self YOU are.

   My ears sharp to hear your voice.

   Make me wise so that I may understand

   And be my POSITIVE SELF.

   The things you might teach me.

   Let me learn the lessons you have hidden

   In every leaf and rock.

   I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother.

   But to fight my greatest enemy, myself.”

To your Inspiration, Banchi