Drivers really look forward to their time at home. After working hard for days or weeks at a time, going home means it’s finally time to get some rest and pampering from our families, right? The reality is that seldom happens. Our spouses are busy with household chores and managing the kids and cannot meet our every need. The kids have their own agendas for their time which means they have very little time to spend with us. Our expectation of what would happen when we get home gets trashed.

What does this do for your self-worth? If you’re like me, you might feel angry because we don’t feel respected by the ones we work so hard to provide for. Remember that you are still valuable and needed in your family even when they don’t show you any respect. Don’t let anger and bitterness set in either; be quick to forgive. Your family needs your love and care. Let them know you’re looking forward to quality time with them and be patient. I promise, your time at home will be more enjoyable. Comment here.

In the trucking industry, there are times when you feel very alone. Have you ever been somewhere new or were surrounded by people you didn’t know and noticed that you felt tense? Even though everything was really okay, you still felt like something’s not right. That was loneliness. Next time you find yourself in that predicament do something that’s familiar to you. Call or talk to someone that you trust. Find out how they’re doing. It will help you feel content inside. If there’s no one to call, contact one of these folks listed here. Do things that will help you be encouraged during the lonely times. Comment here.

Have you ever heard that old saying “A dog is man’s best friend?” Have you ever wondered why people say this? People have learned that dogs are devoted. You can ignore them, forget to feed them, push them out of the way, and leave them hooked up to a chain all day and they will always stay by your side. We could learn a lot from our dogs. We too should be devoted to one another whether it’s a spouse, family, friends, boss or co-workers. They need to know that we will always stand by their side. We need to have people who will be committed to us too. Tell your loved ones that you are there for them. If you need someone to be devoted to you, let us know. We know someone that will always stand by you. Comment here.

Solitary confinement means being kept alone in a private cell while in prison. Generally speaking, this is considered a penalty. If you have never been incarcerated it may be hard to understand how this can affect you. For those who have experienced it, you already know the impact. For people outside of the trucking industry, being alone on the road is viewed as a luxury. However, to the insiders it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be, is it? That’s because insiders know that the loneliness can be so overwhelming that it feels like being in prison. You don’t have to be in solitary confinement. You can be free! Find out today how. Comment here.

Today, it is easier to get directions to shipper and receiver locations because of technology. We now have MapQuest, Google Earth, Streets and Trips, and of course GPS. Do you find yourself still getting lost with these new devices? I have been given wrong directions from a GPS device. Nothing is fool proof. When you get lost on your route, it is easy to get frustrated. Frustration leads to anger and then worry accompanies both of them all along the way. The same thing happens when you get lost in life. If life gives you a detour, don’t worry. Work your way through it, get help if you need, and get back on the original route. We’d be glad to help. Comment here.

I looked at my neighbor’s lawn the other day and noticed his grass looked much greener. I struggle to keep the crab grass and clover out of mine, while his always looks so nice. I went over to find out what he did to his lawn. As I got closer, suddenly I noticed that it didn’t look as nice as it did before. He had problems with his lawn too. Surprisingly, they were pretty close to the ones I was having, along with a few others. After some polite conversation, I turned around to head home. Amazingly, I saw that my lawn looked really nice from his yard. Isn’t that the way marriage is too? Sometimes your marriage doesn’t appear to be all that good when compared to others. We often wish we could have something different. However, keep in mind the grass is NOT greener on the other side. Don’t give up on your marriage. Seek help today. Comment here.

Whenever you think of anger, do you picture someone screaming on the phone, throwing things around the docks, slamming their truck doors, and cursing up a blue streak? These are all byproducts of expressed anger, but they are not the only ways people react with anger. Some drivers are just the opposite because they keep their anger hidden. They think critical thoughts, avoid others in order to avoid controversy, hold grudges, and become very quiet and reserved. These are just as damaging as the outward signs of anger. Whichever way you are, don’t let your anger take control of you. Get help if you’re stuck. Comment here.

In life, sometimes we have to learn how to agree to disagree. If someone has a different outlook than you do, that doesn’t mean they are wrong. In fact, we might even be wrong sometimes. Of course, there are absolute right and wrong points of view depending on the topic. However, regarding the little things just agree to disagree with one another. It will make your life go a lot smoother. If you need help, let us know. We’re here for you. Comment here.

There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well-being. If they are not met, our lives will be in turmoil. At the top of everyone’s list is love. Love is a two way street. We need to give and receive love or we will struggle with emptiness. Start giving love today by telling those close to you that you love them. Remember, there is someone that loves you too. If you’re having trouble finding them, give us a call. Comment here.

Scientists say that the fastest way from point A to point B is a straight line. Unfortunately, there are very few straight lines on the highways. There are hills, mountains, valleys, curves, and detours all of which make our days and nights on the road even longer. Sometimes our days feel anything but fast and are filled with so much loneliness that it’s almost unbearable. During these times, think about things that are admirable. Setting your thoughts on good things will bring you peace through the lonely times. Not sure what things are admirable? Let’s talk about it. We’d be glad to help. Comment here.

You love it when those weigh stations signs say “Open.” Yeah, right! There’s a good reason for these scales. I know you might argue with me on that point. When your truck is overweight, the D.O.T. worries that your truck might create damage to the highways. We all need to work together to keep the highways safe. Our lives are the same way. When we are overloaded, we run the threat of doing some damage. There are times that we need help with our load. What do you do when you get overloaded? Who do you turn to? Please don’t worry about your load. Get help today. Comment here.

A television show called The Starter Wife revolves around a recently divorced woman and her daughter starting a new life together. The characters confront the many difficulties that follow a divorce such as emotional pain, financial shortfalls and parenting complications. Even though the show is very popular and has been nominated for several awards, the issues they discuss are very real. In real life, there are no popularity awards given to divorcees. It is painful and sometimes there are lifelong scars. Maybe you have experienced this pain. Maybe you are contemplating a divorce right now. Let me encourage you to seek help so you can avoid the pain of divorce. Comment here.

How do you feel when others affirm or accept you? You feel good, right? So, now tell me how you feel when others ignore or mistreat you? You probably get angry. Anger is a defense mechanism that we use for self-preservation. We are trying to defend ourselves against what others say about our work performance or our character. While your work performance may affect your employment, it is not a measure of your self-worth. You are important to someone all the time. Remember that the next time someone criticizes you. It will help keep your anger in check. Comment here.

Do you have a short fuse? What does it take to set you off? It sure seems like everyone’s fuse is getting shorter in our society. Just watch the news for a couple of minutes. You’ll see the results of short fuses. This should not be the case in our marriages. Part of loving our spouse is being slow to anger and quick to forgive. Wouldn’t you want the same for yourself? No one wants to deliberately make a mistake. Your mate probably didn’t do whatever it is you’re mad at them about on purpose. So don’t get upset with your spouse when they make a mistake; forgive them quickly. Your marriage will be much happier. Comment here.

Do you base your self-worth in the approval of others? If you answered yes, then you might be an “approval addict.” Approval junkies only feel good about themselves, if other people approve of them. They also struggle with several other issues: attempting to please others at any cost, the fear of rejection, a hyper-sensitivity to criticism and withdrawing from people in order to avoid their disapproval. Obviously, there are several problems with thinking this way. I have news for you; you will disappoint someone. You can’t please everyone. Instead, set good standards for yourself and live by them. If you fail to meet those standards, apologize and learn from those mistakes. Now, the question becomes “How do I set good standards?” We’d be happy to discuss this with you. Contact us. Comment here.

When we talk about being lonely, there are some common threads woven throughout this emotion. Anxiety, anger, misunderstanding, ungratefulness and the absence of peace are all ingredients of loneliness. The opposite of loneliness is being in complete peace. You’ll also find thankfulness, understanding, forgiveness and absolutely no anxiety too. Which camp are you in? How do you find your peace? Do you even have any? Without peace, you will definitely feel the overwhelming sense of loneliness. If you need help finding some, let us know. Comment here.

The other day, while observing a truck being started up, I noticed the exhaust pouring out of the eight inch stacks. The smoke went straight up in the air. You know, troubles and difficulties in our lives are just like that smoke. As soon as they start, the “smoke” rises up from them. It’s almost guaranteed. It’s not a matter of if we have trials, but a matter of when and what will we do with them when they appear. Do you worry yourself to sleep at night? Worry won’t really help you get through it. It will only guarantee that you’ll be miserable during the trial. What do you do when you face trouble? Comment here.

When I was younger, I attended gun and knife expos whenever they came to town. I was intrigued by most of the items, but the older knives and swords really caught my eye. They were made of iron. I was amazed when I learned the order that was followed to make these beautiful collectibles that were used in battle or for personal protection. When we’re out on the road, we’re a lot like those old iron swords. Sometimes it’s a battle and we need protection. Have you heard the expression “Iron sharpens iron?” That’s actually true and in order for us to be able to stand our ground, we must keep sharp. Who helps you stay sharp during your battles? Comment here.

I know a couple of gentlemen that live and breathe by the Wall Street Journal. It’s the first thing they read every morning. They also receive updates every hour, on the hour to see how their stocks are doing. Needless to say, these guys are very worried right now and have been for quite some time. Have you heard the expression “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also?” Well, since these fellas have their “treasure” invested in Wall Street , their hearts are just as low as their fortunes are. That’s because it really doesn’t matter where, what or who your treasure is, that’s literally where your heart or thoughts will focus. If you’re worried, maybe it's time to change what you treasure. We can help. Comment here.

Often the stresses of life feel like our enemies. They face us head on and battle with us for what seems to be an eternity. Stress can drag us down, and in turn drag our loved ones down too. I would love to tell you that there’s a way to get rid of stress forever. That’s not possible. However is it possible to fight and win these battles with stress. In fact, there are ways to fight stress that will allow goodness, kindness and love to follow you wherever you go. Let us show you how today. Comment here.

Psychology Today, a popular psychology magazine, once cited the top stressful events people experience as: 1. Losing a spouse through death 2. Losing a spouse through divorce 3. Losing a spouse through separation Do you see a pattern here? Today, in our society, it seems that divorce has become the norm. Maybe that’s because it’s much easier to quit, than to persevere. If you are married, please do everything in your power to maintain your marriage. It may be necessary to get some outside help too. Let me encourage you to endure the hard times because the end result will mean less stress for you. Let us help you today. Comment here.

In 1995, there was a Western movie called “The Quick and the Dead.” It stared Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Leonardo portrayed a young, gun slinger nicknamed “The Kid” that had no fear, a quick temper and an itchy trigger finger. As entertaining as this film was, this character’s life choices did not serve him well. He died at a very young age! Being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry will ensure that our lives end up differently than “The Kid’s” did. Let me encourage you today to practice these traits instead. You’ll enjoy life a lot longer. Comment here.

When considering your self-worth, do you get caught in the “shame game”? In other words, do you believe that the problems or weaknesses you have are just a reflection of who you really are? And that there’s no changing it? Maybe you believe that’s just how you were born or that it’s hereditary. You may even say things like, “I am hopeless”. Feelings of shame and inferiority captivate your thoughts. Keep playing the “shame game” and you will eventually become passive, lose all creativity and isolate yourself from others. If you have set bad or low standards for yourself in the past, no need to worry.

You can be regenerated. This means to become new. You don’t have to stay that old way. Set new, higher standards for yourself. Also remember, it’s not healthy to base your value on the sum of your problems or weaknesses. Be sure you base your self-worth on the right stuff. Need help with that? Contact us. We’re here for you. Comment here.