‘Twas a rainy night, and I found myself nestled in the backseat of my aunt's car, spilling my heart out about feeling overshadowed by my three older brothers. Not that they were mean or anything—I just yearned for their respect. My aunt, with passionate patience and wise words, always knew how to steer me towards clarity. But that night, destiny had its own unique lesson in store for us—a flat tire.
My aunt confessed she didn't know the first thing about changing tires and suggested calling my father. But this was something that I knew how to do. This was my moment to shine, my chance to feel needed and important. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. My aunt switched on her old flashlight and opened her brilliant umbrella.
As I rummaged through the trunk for the spare, my aunt drew parallels between our situation and the life lessons hidden within. She pointed to the 3 good tires and the one that was flat. She spoke about how grateful she was for the miles they'd carried us and the sights they'd enabled us to see. She emphasized that each tire was crucial for a smooth journey—just like every individual in a family.
As I jacked up the car, she reminded me that each time life pushes us down, we have the chance to rise stronger. It all about perspective, do you want to concentrate on the problems or the progress and possibilities?
Removing the lug nuts, some stubborn, others cooperative, she likened it to tackling life's challenges. We must face all dilemmas with equal determination, no matter how big or small, no matter how easy or difficult. Taking a turn at the small ones first will make pulling off the big ones so much easier.
I told her that I appreciated her words, but I was tired of being the little brother. I was tired of everyone being stronger than me, taller than me, and better than me at everything. She reminded me that I had one more brother at home who was younger than me. I told her that he was just a little kid. No one expects anything from him yet. Her light seemed to get a little brighter as she replied, “It’s just not his turn to change the tire yet.”
Tires can't change themselves, but we can. We have the power to adapt and evolve. We're not solitary beings—we're part of a greater whole. Just like the three tires need the fourth to keep the journey smooth, we need others to help navigate the road of life. And the worth of each tire isn't dictated by the others—each of us must understand our value and keep rolling.
So, the next time you feel deflated and alone, remember while I can shield you from some pain and shed some light on your path, it's ultimately up to you to lift yourself up, change your outlook, and define your own journey.
We all get tired from time to time.
As seen in Stroll, Hawthorn Woods CC Magazine. Follow “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music, Audible, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Marty Jalove or Master Happiness is a Corporate Coach that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. Master Happiness stresses the importance realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention.
Learn more about Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
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