It wasn’t supposed to happen this way, but circumstances were such that a lunch date with an old friend I hadn’t seen in 25 years either had to be postponed, or I had to take a taxi cab to get there. I opted for the latter alternative; however, on the way to the cab I was grumbling a bit about how much this ride was going to cost.
Settling into the back seat, I noticed that the driver felt lonely and pretty depressed.
Mother Teresa’s story flashed into my mind. She was being interviewed by Pat McMahon in Phoenix. Elated that he was in the presence of Mother Teresa, he repeatedly asked her what he could do for her. After multiple attempts, this 80 pound 4’10” woman tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Patrick, if you really want to do something for me, get up at 4:00 tomorrow morning. Go out on the streets of Phoenix and find someone who is lonely. Make them feel that they’re not alone—that they do count.”
Employing the essence of her story, I started talking with the cab driver. His story was painful to hear. He was driving a converted police car twelve hours a day for six days a week. He shared the cab with another guy who drove it the other twelve hours. Each Monday morning they paid the cab owner $600 for the use of the car. He went on to recount his journey from Ethiopia to the United States seven years ago and he shared some of his life experiences.
As I left the cab he smiled and it seemed that his shoulders were a little straighter. We shook hands and went our separate ways.
We never know what burden the person next to us is carrying. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “The peace that you want for yourself, want it more for someone else.”
The message that rings loud in my head is give, give, give! A small gesture can go a long way to helping the brother or sister beside you.
Do you feel that power, that mindset? Whew! It gives me chills …
With an Attitude of Giving,
Dar
February 17th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
What a great message Darlene! This reminds me of the expression of how your the first step you take should always be to “seek first to understand”, be it a person or situation. So many of us need an ear some times, to at least feel “visible” and “heard” in this world, that we tend to forget others do too! How easy it is to give to others that which we need, and yet so often we forget how vital it is! Thank you hun!
.-= Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..What To Do If Your Twitter Account Is Hacked =-.
February 17th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
YES! What an awesome message! You are right! This is what we need to give everyone; the message that their life has meaning!
.-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..Create a Wonderful Life: Allow yourself to receive prosperity =-.
February 19th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Hi Darlene, this is such a beautiful post. In today’s society it isn’t uncommon for us to rush around, caught up in our own little worlds, and not pay attention to anyone else. Just think if once a week or even a month if we all just took the time to say hi to someone or ask how they are, it could make such a difference in our world.
Thanks
Sally
.-= Sally Bath´s last blog ..Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back From Success? =-.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Just one person at a time can make a huge difference in others lives.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Yes I know the chills you speak of Darlene. I’ve recently been told by a dear friend, that when we experience these chills/goosbumps, it indicates we are in touch with truth. In the situation you shared it’s very much a win win isn’t it. The taxi driver left feeling somewhat lighter, as I’m sure you did. (That warm fuzzy feeling)It would have made your taxi expense worth every penny. Thanks for sharing Darlene. Very cool. Cheers Toni
February 24th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Toni, The expense was absolutely worth it—in fact, I gave him an extra tip!
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:32 am
We never realize how much just a smile and an attentive ear lets someone know there is someone that truly cares for their wellbeing. To give yourself for even a few moments is a hugh gain to someone in need. Love is a verb. Act today.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Beautiful stuff Darlene. I started using the RAOK method a while ago: Random Act Of Kindness.
I have not been doing it of late and after reading your post i will be definitely going back and applying that system. Not only are you putting a smile on their face but it brings an inner peace to yourself for doing it. I actually think we were put on this earth to send this kindness all over. It feels so good when you do it.
Thanks Darlene – an excellent story
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February 23rd, 2010 at 3:03 am
Darlene! Great post you’ve done here. I love the Mother Teresa story. It brings to mind the story of the kid who woke up one morning and decided he was going to take his life that day. Another kid felt his pain and smiled at him. Years later he was honored for some type of achievement and he told the story about the little girl who smiled at him and changed his mind about killing himself.
Sometimes all it takes is to say hello to someone to change the course of their day.
You’re a great lady with great insight. Most would not have noticed the loneliness that taxi cab driver was feeling and I’m sure your friendship carried over many days in his attitude.
.-= Debbie Wood´s last blog ..Tribe Internet Organization 101 =-.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:23 am
Mother Teresa is such a great example of how we all should live our lives. She was one of a kind, but we can all (in some small way) emulate her in our lives. Thanks Darlene for starting my day with such a positive message!
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:18 am
Hi Darlene…I love you post! I just put a post on my blog about giving without an agenda! Thanks your for sharing and caring for others!
Your a special person!
Debby
.-= Debby Beachy´s last blog ..How I Embrace Vibrations Of “God Enlightenment” And Grow Abundantly Wealthy! =-.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I cannot tell you how touching stories like this are!
To be able to uplift someone the point of straightening their shoulders and giving them worth by just paying attention to them. giving genuine engagement and showing true compassion, you have made a life better.
Darlene you show the rest of us what true Christianity is supposed to be like. Unjudging, loving, compassionate and genuine.
Humility helps too and you showed all of those…Right on Darlene!
.-= Michael Kaleikini´s last blog ..Top Ten Ways to Save? =-.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Hi Darlene,
This is an amazing story and a great reminder of giving yourself to others. I’ve been on both sides of this kind of situation — receiving kind words when I needed a connection or uplifting a stranger when I saw he needed it. It doesn’t take much to really make a difference in someone’s life. Great post!
Take care,
Larry
.-= Larry Akers´s last blog ..Hypnosis and Religion =-.
February 26th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Why is it that giving is so much fun? As you showed in this story, we don’t have to wait until we have a lot of money in order to give. We can show concern and give encouragement. By being sensitive to how others are feeling, as you were, there are opportunities to give to every person we contact. Thanks for helping us become more attentive to the needs of others.
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:12 am
I love this post Darlene! The message is loud and clear and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to make a change in the life of someone else. Maybe you can share this with the taxi cab driver how he made a difference in the lives of at least 15 people here on your site?
Just a thought.
BTW…you’re doing an amazing job on your videos my friend. *BIG HUG*
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March 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 am
Wow, Darlene. This one hit me right between the eyes. Some many times I’m rushing around trying to get things done (I want to help others you know) that I miss those opportunities right in front of me. Thanks for the reminder to be more aware.
Love this post!
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June 10th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Sometimes talking with someone can really help change the mood that their in.
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June 16th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
This really goes to show the power of actually meeting and talking to people. Too often we walk around with our iPods on in our own little islands oblivious to everything else that is around. Thanks for sharing!
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