An Update and a Forward

Jardin Borda

Cuernavaca, Morelos

I just wanted to check in a bit and share what I read this week. I hope you guys enjoyed the pictures from my awesome trip last weekend. I'm so thankful that I got to go.

This week was very hectic and busy, but I'm happy with my job and most aspects of my life. There are a few situations I'm trying to resolve, so keep those in your prayers or good thoughts or whatever.

As I spent most of the week either working, giving tutoring, or at the gym, I don't have a lot to say right now. Next weekend I'm hoping to make it back to Cuernavaca to go to a reading group, as well as hang out with my friend. This weekend I'm just relaxing mostly.

I want to share this forward with you I got. I give all credit to moneyning.com for it.

Happiness is a Habit

This morning, I hopped onto a taxi as I needed to get to the empire state building. It was rush hour, so we were pretty soon stuck in traffic (NYC traffic is really bad). The cab driver let out a sigh, and started venting about his job. "The economy is so bad, and our business just suck! Everyday, we are working for 12, sometimes even 14 hours and we don't make much money... Even the tips that people leave are shrinking." Hearing that, I figured it would be best to change the subject, so I responded "at least your car is pretty spacious. Even in traffic, your customers should be comfortable." The driver didn't want to hear any of that, and he cut me off by saying"the seats are a piece of crap! If you don't believe me, try sitting here for 12 hours straight and see whether you still feel the same way!" He was really unhappy at this point, and continued to complain about the government bailouts, how our society brought on the financial crisis, and how the bankers are crooks while I sat there, not being able to think of anything to respond.

The next day, I again had to go to the empire state building. I again got into a cab but the experience was totally different.

As soon as I got into the car, a friendly smile greeted me. Then with a lighthearted voice, he asked me "Such a great day today, where do you want to go?" It was such a breath of fresh air, a little surprising actually. I told him my destination, and he then said "No problem sir! Let's get going!"
As soon as we turned the corner, we were stuck in traffic. Yet, instead of yelling at every other driver in existence, the cab driver started whistling. Obviously, he was in a very good mood.

I asked him "Looks like you are having a great morning so far huh?" He responded with a huge smile "I'm happy everyday. Everyday is a great day." "Why", I asked, "Isn't everyone complaining about the economy, the long work hours, and the lack of tips these days?" The driver then said "yeah, that's true. I actually have a whole family waiting for me to bring home enough money to survive. That's why I've stretched my hours to 14 hours a day. However, I still live life happily. I have a secret."

He paused for a bit, then said "don't be mad after I tell you, okay?" Of course I won't be upset. Anytime I can hear a secret to happiness, I'm intrigued and eager to learn about it.

He then went on "I'm always thinking of things in a different angle. For example, I feel like driving a cab is actually customers paying me to go on vacation. Like today, I met someone like you who will pay for me to go to the empire state building. How great is that? I know of an awesome hot dog stand over there and I get to enjoy it before I leave. After the delicious food, I can even take a smoking break!"

He continued on "Like a few days ago, I drove a couple to the pier to watch sunset. After they got off, I parked, watched sunset with an ice-cream in my hand. I got here already so why not right? Best of all, someone actually paid for the trip!"
Beautiful! What a delightful secret!

I suddenly felt really lucky that I got to meet this cab driver so early in the day. I get to sit in a cab, and hear such happy stories by a driver with service that's second to none. I decided to ask this gentlemen his number, so I can call him whenever I need to be somewhere. After he gave me his name card, his cell phone started ringing. There's an long time customer of his that wanted to go to the airport. Turns out that I'm not the only one that wants his company. I'm sure that this happiness expert's level of service not only wins him a great attitude but also lots of business.

Happiness is actually a habit. No matter what the circumstances, happiness experts can always find a way to be happy.
If you can look at our job in a different angle, we would be much more optimistic. You will realize that your inner energy will be much stronger, and that you won't be nearly as stressed out. And that, my friends, are a great way to be happy.

I always thought that work is actually an excuse for us to participate in different activities and also meet and hang out with people. (not to mention, people actually pay us for it!)

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Hope you enjoyed.

~Buster