I just had to share this today. I was going through my digital library, looking for a book when I came across the fabulous “The Law of the Garbage Truck” by David J Pollay and instantly got distracted in a very pleasant way. I first got this book three years ago, courtesy a friend and have gone back to read parts of it from time to time. So today, I realized I hadn’t opened this book in a year or so and it was like meeting an old friend. An encouraging friend, a loving friend who cares.
I thought, rather than actually describe the book, I’d share my favorite part from the book that relates to…
living the law of the garbage truck
Let me quickly tell you what the law of the garbage truck is all about. It is a philosophy and a way of life. To quote the author David Pollay, the premise of this philosophy is this:
By refusing to let others dump their “garbage” (negativity, anger, resentment) on us and letting it “pass by” instead—we become happier and more successful, both personally and professionally. And when we stop dumping garbage on others, we improve our relationships, strengthen our businesses, and bring our communities together.
Ever since I first read the book, I’ve tried my best to practice this philosophy and am enjoying the benefits. It came to me at the right time, soon after I lost my Mother in 2010. It helped me calm down, relate better with people and feel more serene. Just takes a shift in perspective, you know. I tend to be a naturally cheerful person and this book has simply made my life even better.
The first step in The Law of the Garbage Truck journey is to learn how not to accept garbage in your life. This is important as it is the first step to transforming your life. As with all credos, to actually enjoy happiness, success and good relationships, it takes effort. To facilitate this, the Law of the Garbage Truck has eight commitments. They are:
1. Do let Garbage Trucks pass you by (Don’t let others dump on you)
You do not have to be burdened by negative things you cannot control. You are free to focus on what matters.
2. Do let your own Garbage Trucks pass you by (Don’t dump on yourself)
Bad memories of your past do not have to weigh you down, and you do not have to be limited by your own negative projections of the future.
3. Do avoid becoming someone else’s Garbage Truck (Don’t dump on others)
Your response to people who dump on you does not have to be vengeful and judgmental. Instead, you can give people a chance, stop baiting them, and be more forgiving.
4. Do help the Garbage Trucks you can (Help others stop dumping)
You acknowledge and celebrate the best in others. You seek opportunities to communicate effectively with everyone.
5. Do honor your No Garbage Trucks! Pledge™
You do not have to accept garbage and you do not need to spread it. You are not a Garbage Truck.
6. Do live in The Gratitude Cycle™ and live free of The Garbage Cycle™
Invest your energy in living a good and meaningful life. By choosing gratitude, not garbage, you help make the world a better place for everyone.
7. Do live in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone™
Let everyone know you are committed to living in The Gratitude Cycle and outside the grip of Garbage Trucks. People will know where you stand: You live in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone.
8. Do work in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone™
By giving your best and expecting the best from others, you contribute to an environment that allows people to enjoy their work, use their strengths, and feel what they do is meaningful.
I took the No Garbage Trucks Pledge! You can too:
Ready to take the Pledge?
When you take The Pledge and honor it,
- You no longer take personally the negative things you cannot control
- You take greater responsibility for the things you can.
- Each time you let a Garbage Truck pass you by, you take control of your life.
- Each time you stop dumping garbage on other people, you change the world.
- You will stay centered on the good, positive and important in your life and let go of the negative you cannot control
I feel very good about sharing this here today!
If wisdom were offered me with the proviso that I should keep it shut up and refrain from declaring it, I should refuse. There’s no delight in owning anything unshared.
—Seneca
If you enjoyed the 8 commitments of the Law of the Garbage Truck visit David Pollay’s site and check out the Resources – there are some great downloads there.
Take control of your life. Don’t let other people’s bad behavior hold you back.
Thank you Molly Hahn, aka Mollycules
Just one more thing!
I would be thrilled if you’d come over and read my guest post titled “Quick Blogging Tips to help you blog better” at Write Tribe – I would love to know what you think!
Thank you!
Namaste!
I am glad you are here. May your day be filled with smiles!
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