Monday, July 29, 2013

Energizing Life ... a bus driver’s insights


In my Saturday bus trip to the downtown library, I usually like to check the Wall Street Journal Weekend edition and read a few of my favorite editorials. I also look over the best-selling business book section they feature each week. I noticed that the Energy Bus, published several years ago, is still a top-ten bestseller.  I summarized this book in my other blog, where I feature best-selling business books, when it was first published (2007).

The thought crossed my mind .. could we actually use these principles to re- energize a bus system?   The buses whizzing around as they do create an energy across the city...  within their motion and activity. Inside the buses though it seems there is a lack of energy. It does not necessarily feel like a how-to-be-motivated-in-life center.  Many seem to be there to get the most from life with the least from them(based on a conversation I overheard one day).

Won’t get into this now, but we really would serve ourselves well if we could lessen the victimized, entitlement mentality and instill a proactive, we-can-make-a-difference mentality. Now, I agree too, there are times we need some help, and the bus system provides that... as I have been a benefactor of that too. Nonetheless, it is my view we need to always be looking for a better way, wherever we are.

What if we could energize the internal atmosphere of the bus? So it becomes an “energy bus.” There are many ways to do it I presume, and the innovators within communities many times figure these things out for us, or come up with ideas for it.  What if everyone became one of those innovators? (Okay, idealistic, reads well, but not how the real world is, you may say.  Well, couldn’t we nudge the real world a little bit here.)

Could we take the principles in a book like the Energy Bus and apply them to a culture, like the bus culture?.

Well, I am not in charge of the community, but live in it. I keep wondering though … what if we all decided to create an energy bus in all we do, wherever we are.

I just upgraded and re-posted the Energy Bus summary as it continues to be a top ten biz book. Incidentally,  the principles within the Energy Bus are revealed through the insights of a bus driver.


The Energy Bus … a summary:
(One note... my distinction in my posts is applying Spiritual principles to the practical.)

He who gives us life, also gives it abundantly (John 10:10).


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I May be Bus Co-dependent

I didn’t realize this, but I think I may be bus co-dependent. 

Last summer I was riding the bus almost exclusively. Since then I have used a car from time to time. As I was sitting early one morning on an outside eating place at a local restaurant, I was observing the buses going by... first J10 Cedarbrook, then D4 Central, and then C3 Division the new bus line. As each bus went by a twinge of connection went through me.

Even though I had a car to use as well, at the time, the bus has proved to be a comforting, likeable, and desirable experience in my life, as well as others. 
But then, the car broke again. I  know... I can always count on the bus. 

As I saw those buses go by, something was drawing me to them. I then thought, I may be bus co-dependent. 

You may not relate to this if you haven’t been there, like a co-dependent would. You don’t know what it’s like to value something and want it to be there. Many don’t realize that many depend on the bus as their sole means of getting around.
You don’t know what it’s like to …

You see those who depend on the bus live with a strong emotion within. It is like a love relationship with someone you desperately want in your life.

If you read this and have a car, I challenge you. Park that car as if it doesn’t exist and try the bus.
 
You don’t know what it’s like to …

“What good does it bring,
If I ain’t got you.”
To Love Somebody, BeeGees

“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?” 1 John 3:17
(I understand transit is subsidized with utilities money. So those who need a ride can have one. Way to go city utilities.)


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Summer in the City

Don’t cha wonder what is the real life of a bus driver... friendly and courteous as they drive the bus. They watch the clock, stay on schedule, serving the patrons in best interest to all.


But is there a secret life of the bus driver no one really knows about?  How do you keep your sanity with all that goes on in the city?


Take, let’s call him Dave. Play-it by-the-rules bus driver Dave. But then think of it. 
When the lights get low, 
22 at night absorbs the Patton mystique as it  trolleys down to the  terminal... could get the best of him as dusk falls on the city. The alter ego rises up.


On the new bus, he figures how to jerry-rig his iPhone into the PA of the bus and set up his DJ platform … hot town, summer in the city. The handicap seats go up, the D’s alter ego emerges, as he converts the handicap area on the bus to the  transit at-night dance floor. Big D barks out the tunes on the bus as it’s a hot time, hot night, summer in the city on the bus.


Yeah, seems like a regular guy, great loyal transit employee, but when the lights turn low the other side turns up the glow.  Yes, it’s summer, in the city.


(a spoof on transportation options and their cultures)


Wonder what the others do... on full moon night who might know.


Sometimes it’s time to celebrate. ("Let’s celebrate together." Matt. 25:21)