Yesterday when driving to my annual dermatology appointment, I witnessed the results of a terrible accident. Both cars were demolished. From news reports, the victims of the accident had to be extracted from their cars. So, on my way home, as cars were whizzing all around me, and cars were weaving in and out of lanes, I was admittedly wearing my sad, cynical, snarky (and defensive driver) hat.
I live in Florida, home of the infamous “Florida Man.” I believe that I’ve seen almost every bumper sticker and back window cling ever manufactured. Most of these stickers that I’ve seen are divisive. Most of them are political. Some of these car stickers that I’ve seen are outrageous, some are admittedly funny, and some are downright stupid. So in my “grumbly about Florida drivers” mood yesterday, out of the corner of my eye, I see (and hear) a bright, bright yellow Dodge Dart muscle car coming up behind me, and then moving up ahead of me. And then I noticed bright yellow letters, matching the car, on the back window.
“Oh, this ought to be good,” I snarkily thought to myself, with a snort for emphasis. I was happy when we both hit a stoplight so that I could get a better look, to prove my point (to my imaginary audience, I guess).
Here is what I saw:
“I hope something good happens to you today.”
Oh, wow, this was not what I expected. It gave me pause. I thought about this occurrence a lot yesterday. Obviously, I’m still thinking about it this morning. I got some lessons and self awareness out of this experience. Maybe I’m too quick to judge. Maybe I have more negativity bias than I like to pretend. Maybe if we all wished good things for everyone whom we come in contact with on a daily basis, the world would feel a little bit better and brighter and more hopeful, kind of like the happy, optimistic zip of a bright yellow muscle car.
Today, when my husband kissed me goodbye before he headed to work, I told him, “I hope something good happens to you today.” He smiled and wished for me the same.
Readers, “I hope something good happens to you today.”
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
