I’m going to share some of my insights I’ve had while driving a School Bus. First I want to share with you that six years ago, I was going through a very dark place in my life. I really didn’t want to drive a bus but didn’t think I had it in me to do anything that took too much in the way of commitment and responsibility. Well, I’m here to tell you, being a school bus driver takes both of those attributes and a whole lot more. And so, I take this opportunity to honor and praise all the school bus drivers around the world. Thank you for doing your best to keep the kids of the world safe, to and from school. I have developed a completely new view of what it takes to be a school Bus Driver. I believe life is designed to assist us in becoming the best possible person we can be. It also gives us equal opportunity to be the worst we can possibly be as well. When you become aware of this teeny tiny little fact, then you can begin to make informed, conscious and well thought out decisions in and for your life. Another belief I have is that everyone and everything we encounter is there to teach us something about ourselves. Gaining self-awareness will be the greatest gift you’ll ever discover. When you learn this little fact, you’ll find it harder and harder to place the blame out there somewhere in the world. Remember, Shit happens. Sometimes good shit, sometimes horrific shit. What role are you going to play in the next shit happenings? I have learned so much about myself this past six years from my kids that I am truly humbled by the experience and honored to have worked for such a great company. One that really cares, not only about the kids, but the community as well. I’m forever grateful to my kids for allowing me to be their bus driver and not giving more grief than I could handle. One of my favorite things to do is to tell stories. And being a school Bus Driver you could say I have a captive audience. Notice I didn’t say captivated, that would assume or imply that I somehow felt they were enthralled by my presence, my wisdom and intellect. I like to teach through story telling. So, one of the lessons I wanted to ensure they understood is, while riding my bus they are safe. Not only will I do my best to get them to school and back home safely, but hope they experience what it feels like to BE physically and emotionally in a safe place. I compare it to the country of Switzerland, meaning our bus is a neutral space, free from conflict, judgment and bullying. My intention is they learn, no matter the back ground they come from, if abuse of one form or another is their ever-present reality, that when they step foot on my bus, they know how it feels when someone has their back and what that really, truly feels like! It is within this environmental foundation where feelings such a trust, respect and happiness not only flourish, but thrive. I make it extremely clear that everyone will be given the opportunity to experience and know what respect feels, hears, smells, and tastes like. We drivers are not allowed to give out candy to the kids for good reasons, to which I agree. So, the way-round that one is that one year I made coupons for the local ice cream parlor for all my kids to receive a free ice cream cone, vanilla, chocolate or swirl. Ahaa, respect never tasted so good. It was my way of showing my gratitude for their willingness to be open to learn and apply the lessons of respect, even if they were unaware that that was what they were learning. I call that, the gift of surprise. One day in the future, when they look back on their days of riding route 8, they’ll understand, we are always learning, whether we are aware of It, or not.
Nature's G.A.S. Station 