Is There a Garbage Truck in Your Firehouse?

by

Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Photo courtesy Landon Jensen.

There is a lot of angry people out there. Whether at work, home, driving the streets, stores, or malls, it does not take long to find them. These people are like “garbage trucks.”

They run around full of garbage such as frustration, disappointment, and anger. When their garbage piles up, they are quick to dump it. Unfortunately, on you and on others.

One thing that is important when you encounter a garbage truck. You cannot take it personally. The best thing you can do is smile, wave, move on and wish them well.  It can be hard to do, but it is more important not to take on others garbage. It’s not yours and has nothing to do with you. If you react to them, they will continue to spread their garbage onto others as well as you.

Love those that treat you well, and pray for those who do not. “Life is 10 percent of what you make it and 90 percent of how you take it.” Do not take it on or take it personally. It is theirs, not yours.

Have you ever been a garbage truck? Are you taking your frustrations, disappointments and anger and dumping your garbage on others? I am sure I have. It is easy to do, but hard to see when you are doing it.

This is the video that inspired this blog.

If you are going to spread anything, spread this message.

Do not be a garbage truck!

About Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Sam DiGiovanna is a 33-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, Calif. In addition, he is a regular contributor to NBC News 4 Los Angeles.  Sam also serves as Executive Vice President of Fire Operations at CORDICO INC.