As a self-titled Outlook Shift Engineer, I invite people to keep their eyes on the road by playing a Drive Yourself Happy game. Basically, looking at the license plate in front of you on the road, seeing if you can make a word or phrase out of the letters; or look for interesting, personalized license plates.
I was at a local gas pump a bit ago. I was joking with and helping out the gas pump station attendant. She was tasked with collecting donations for the current fundraising campaign of the store that owned the gasp pumps. I didn’t have any change on me, but I offered to use ‘MY THEATER VOICE – ACTOR VOICE’ to get folks attention. I said something (loudly) to the effect: ‘OH? ARE YOU COLLECTING FOR A WORTHY CAUSE?’ She appreciated it, and said she had almost reached her goal for the day. yeah!
As I got in my car to go, I automatically looked at the license plate of the car to the left of me. There was a woman pumping gas into the vehicle. The license plate noted:
GOLD STAR FAMILY - It had a number assigned and was very ornate.
I lowered my driver’s side window to ask her what a GOLD STAR FAMILY is?
She told me the plate noted a family with an American Military Service Member who had lost their life in the duty of protecting the country.
I responded: ‘I was afraid you would say that. Allow me to show you appreciation for your loss.’ (as I gave her a thumbs up).
She responded: ‘Thank you for that.’
While I invite people to Drive themselves Happy, Focused and Safely on the road with AWARENESS via my game; the ACTION also serves a purpose to keep a person’s mind on the PRESENT MOMENT, reduce road rage, etc.
Sometimes, focusing on the GIFT OF THE PRESENT also brings one to notice the VALUE of ONE’S LIFE.
Blessings, peace and appreciation to all service persons out there; especially to the GOLD STAR FAMILIES holding the person they have lost, in their HEARTS.
Helen, Outlook Shift Engineer – in the moment of appreciation and peace.