Most drivers equate happiness and joy as the same thing. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Happiness is driven by circumstances. This is the answer you give when people ask you “how’s it going?” If our day is going good, our answer will be “good.” The opposite is also true, if our day is going terrible, our answer would be “terrible.” Joy on the other hand is not driven by our circumstance. Our day could be going terrible but if we have joy on the inside our answer could still be “great.” Without real joy, even when our day is going well our answer could be “terrible.” So, how’s your day going? If you need joy, we can help you find it. Comment here.

Sometimes as drivers, we think we have seen it all. There are some pretty strange and peculiar people that out here on the road. Have you ever stopped to think about what those people are going through? We don’t always know what the situation is. Let me encourage you to stop passing judgment without knowing what someone is going through. Maybe we could help, and maybe they are really struggling. Don’t judge, offer a helping hand today. Comment here.

One of our local radio stations had a “Pay It Back Day” a couple of months ago to instill some kindness during these difficult economic times. I’ll explain. Throughout the day, when you used any drive-thru in town from food to dry cleaners, you were encouraged to pay a little extra for the person behind you. This drew an enormous amount of publicity and praise. People were so moved by this kind gesture that they did it for the next person, and this went on and on. This type of kindness is pretty foreign to many people today. Let’s not let that become the norm. Show some kindness today. Comment here.

Sometimes I have a problem with self control. This means that I have trouble with showing restraint over my impulses, emotions and desires. I can only assume that I am not the only one. Our needs are very important to us and we often think that our needs should be met at all times. Unfortunately this is not always the case. I have some bad news for you; life is not always about us. We should think of others before ourselves and show some restraint at times. Our desires could lead to more trouble than we could possibly handle. Show some restraint today and practice some self control. Comment here.

We all know that a yellow traffic light means to yield or slow down, right? But what do most of us do when we see a one? Most of us speed up (maybe that's just me). Another meaning for yield is to submit. In other words, we proceed with caution instead of speeding up and running through life with no thought. Instead of only thinking of ourselves first, we need to slow down and learn to think of others throughout our day. Submit to one another today. Comment here.

I once saw a Hospitality Inn while traveling. There was a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, a fitness center, a game room, a Jacuzzi, an indoor swimming pool and much, much more designed to make your life better. They offered so many things to make your stay the best it could be. It certainly was the definition of hospitality which is to treat others in a warm, friendly or generous way. What if each and every one of us offered hospitality to one another? Wouldn’t everyone's life be better? Whether it's a cup of coffee or the coveted parking spot, offer some hospitality today. You'll gain more friends and your life will be richer because of it. Comment here.

The word admonish means to express warning or to give friendly advice. All too often, I hear people complaining about what others have done to them. Of course, they have the answer as to what should be done about it. Why do I tell you this? Because when someone does something that hurts you, instead of complaining about it, admonish the person that hurt you. Remember to do it in a friendly manner and as lovingly as possible as opposed to yelling or doing it with force. By sharing with the person that has hurt you, you will give them the opportunity to change and keep yourself free from gossip. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.

There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well being. When needs are not met, our lives can have emotional turmoil. One way to have better emotional wellness is avoid hating others. Having thoughts of hatred just weighs you down with needless problems. Ask yourself, "Why do I hate that person?" Look for the answer and make it right with them. Whatever it is, don't let hatred keep you down. Get rid of it today. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.

When you hear the word spur, what do you think of? My first thought is of what a cowboy attaches to the heel of his boots. They're used to get a horse to go forward or run faster. I never could figure out how that really worked. I mean, if you poke me with a little short piece of steel, I might retaliate. Spur can also mean to encourage someone along when things aren't going real well. Life on the road is tough. If you can help someone that's down, it will make our highways that much better. Spur one another on today and if you need someone to spur you on, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Comment here.

How often do you use the word slander? I’m guessing not very often. Even though we don’t use it often, we still have a tendency to do it to others. Slander happens when we say false or malicious things about someone in order to hurt their reputation, often behind their backs. It shouldn't have any room in our companies and certainly no room in our lives. It will only make matters worse and lead to more trouble. As my dad used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Comment here.

I find it interesting the different ways people greet each other. Some kiss each other's cheeks, others shake hands, and some nod their heads. In my spare time, I ride a motorcycle. Whenever I pass another bike on the road, we wave to each other. Even though we don't know each other, we wave because we’re both riders. Depending on where you live, what you drive, or what you do, there are certain ways to greet those you meet. Whatever way you decide to do it is fine, just do it more often. And don’t stop with just those you have something in common with. Greeting one another will help us feel less alienated. Comment here.

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How hard would it be if everyone forgave everybody each and every time, for each and every thing that's been done to us? That sounds like an enormous task especially when you think about the number of people and the number of wrongs that are committed daily. But if we each did our own part, in our own little world, then it would appear to me that the task would not be so huge. Even though it would take all of us to really get this done, it can start with just you today. Forgive the driver that cut you off or gave you the one-fingered salute. I’m pretty sure someone else has forgiven you. Comment here.

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The word serve has several different meanings in the Webster’s dictionary such as to do, function, help, supply, and carry out with a purpose. My thoughts immediately go to our highway police. Their motto is “to protect and to serve.” Now even though some might argue this point, it still remains their goal. What if "to serve" was everyone’s motto? What would the world look like if we put someone else's needs and concerns before our own? I think it would be a much better place. Who are you serving? Comment here.

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I served for several years in the military. Even today, whenever our armed forces are honored for their service, I still get choked up. It's appropriate to honor them. These young soldiers are fighting for our freedom while they are far away from their loved one. I suggest that honor shouldn't stop with our military. We can honor one another. What a feeling that would be to be honor others for what they do, whether it's driving a truck for endless hours, loading them or dispatching them or staying at home while the trucks keep rolling. Honor someone today. Comment here.

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Have you ever wondered how you're doing, really? What I mean by that is, do you know what effect you are having in your job, in your marriage, with your kids? Maybe you don't think about it much. From time to time, it's good to get some feedback from the people in your life about how you're coming across. Whether it's good or bad, their input can help you improve your realtionship. In fact, you may be suprised by what you learn. Just like getting your tractor tuned up so it will work better, you'll find a little relationship tune up is just what's needed to refresh you and those you love. Comment here.

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For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

I walked into a truck stop the other day and the place was packed. I had a hard time finding a seat. After I was seated and ordered my first cup of coffee, I noticed that even though there were a lot of people there, everyone seemed to be alone. I wondered to myself, “How can so many people be so alone?” Trucking is quite often a lonely and thankless career, but it doesn’t have to be. We were not created to be alone. We need interaction with others. Hey drivers, fellowship with one another as you travel the highways. The next driver you meet won’t feel so lonely and just maybe you won’t feel so lonely too. You can always give us a call. Comment here.

Humble or gentle are a couple of words that you don’t hear used very often in the trucking industry. Maybe that’s because many truckers interpret those words to mean being weak or insignificant. I beg to differ. It takes more guts and character to be completely humble and gentle towards others when we’re upset. In fact, it’s easier to fly off the handle and cause a commotion. Anyone can let their emotions flair up; it takes more power to keep them under control. Let me encourage you today to be humble and gentle. If you need help, let us know. Comment here.

Around election time, we regularly hear the slogan “Your vote counts.” Does it really? How can one person stopping at a voting booth make a difference? Well, it does, but I can understand why you would ask such a question. Look at the world around us. Look at the unlimited stars in the sky. Look at the vast number of people in the world today. Look at the number of trucks on the highways (roughly 23 million used for business). After observing these things, it would be easy to ask “Do I really matter?” You do. You matter to someone. If you don’t know who that is, call us today. Comment here.