SEC-S30W1: Anecdotes that teach: Finding a new path in a busy city

How are you all my friends? Of course, you are well and healthy. Today I am going to share a great story with you. I think you will like the story. As many of you know, I am a Malaysian expatriate. And I have been living in this expatriate environment for a long time. Day after day, I have the same routine. Do you know that? Waking up early in the morning, getting ready in a hurry, then sitting in my boss's car and starting my long journey. To the exact place where I work. The busy roads of Malaysia have become my daily companions.

The daily jam, the thin horns, and the smoke of the cars, all these have become a habit for me now. However, I will say one important thing here, in fact, in Malaysia, car horns are not honked like in other countries because they obey the law, so I really like this thing. Today I will share an incident that happened to you last week. This has changed my routine and my outlook on life a little. Which I am sharing with you.

The day was Thursday. My mind had been feeling restless since morning. I couldn't focus on anything properly. There was a job a little outside of Kuala Lumpur, and we had to go quite a distance. That day, our driver was an old friend of mine, his name was Rahim. Although Rahim was older than I, we got along like friends because of his lively nature. He was driving the car, and I was sitting next to him and watching the scenery outside. And I was enjoying this natural scenery outside.

As the car was running along the highway, when I looked around, I could see huge buildings and high-rise buildings under construction. It seemed that the city was getting bigger and bigger day by day. As far as the eye could see, there was only a concrete jungle and small islands of green trees in between. Seeing these scenes, Rahim Bhai suddenly said, "You know, our life is also like this road. Sometimes smooth, sometimes broken, and sometimes stuck in a traffic jam."

At that time, I was listening to Rahim Bhai's words and thinking. Indeed, both life and the road are like reflections of each other. That day, the traffic jam was terrible. The cars were moving slowly; it felt as if time had stopped. My mood started to deteriorate. I was tense about whether I would be able to reach work on time due to this traffic jam. Sitting inside the car, I was looking outside with annoyance. I was looking at the advertisements on the big billboards by the road, "Management and Science University" and "99% Kadar KKeluarga. Seeing all this, my mood was getting worse. I was wondering, how much longer do I have to be stuck like this?

Right then, Rahim Bhai looked at me and gave me a sweet smile. "Hey, Dad, why are you worrying so much? The traffic jam is no longer in your hands. What's the point of worrying about what's out of your control? Instead, use this time. I asked in surprise, "Use it?" He said, "Look at the scenery around you, look at people's faces, talk to yourself, or listen to a little music. You'll see, your mind will become lighter. You'll like it, and I'll like it too."

I smiled a little after hearing Rahim Bhai's words. My face also smiled, although I was in a bad mood a while ago. Rahim Bhai then started telling a story from his own life. How he saw a flood in his village as a child, nd how everyone rebuilt their small life after that flood. His story was a great example of resilience or turning around from adversity. He said, every difficult situation in our lives teaches us something new. Being stuck in a traffic jam does not mean that the path is over, but rather it is a break, an opportunity to find a new path.

While listening to the story, I didn't realize when the traffic jam lended Rahim Bhai's story, and his positive attitude lightened my mind. We also reached work on time. That day, I not only had the experience of going to work, but also found a new perspective on life. Which I will always remember.

Now, when I am stuck in a traffic jam, I remember my brother Rahim. I no longer feel bad. Instead, I look at the scenery around me, talk to people with a smile, or listen to my favorite songs. Because I know that a traffic jam does not mean the end of the road, but rather it is a break, a search for a new path. Life is truly a huge road, where at every turn there are new experiences and new learning opportunities. And these experiences make our lives more meaningful.

Anyway, friends, how did you like the story? If you liked it, you must share your opinion. Thank you all.