This is a story about my uber driver Shelly, featured in the picture above.

To preface the story, my family has 3 cars, one of which was suffering brake malfunctions and had to be dropped off at the shop until fixed. Which means that for the past two days I’ve Ubered to work.

Today, I got in my Uber and my driver, Shelly asked where we were headed. I replied to work. She asked how long I had this job to which I replied that my year anniversary was coming up in April but that today was my last day.

Because it was my last day I had some snacks as well as notes I was leaving at the store. I also had a copy of my “The Book Nook” sign. I explained to her a little of my experience with the company and how I had taken a lot of wisdom, friendships, and growth from this store, which left me thinking about what I was going to leave behind.

After reading her the note left in “The Book Nook” she told me something amazing.

Her mother had died a week ago and ever since then she couldn’t stop thinking “What have I done to leave this world a better place?” She opened up to me and said, “I’ve asked myself, have I just spent my life feeling sorry for myself, throwing my own pity parties and dwelling on what I don’t have? Is my mom looking down at what I’m doing with pride?”

She also asked me if I had experienced a moment in my life when someone told me to have this particular outlook on life.

I couldn’t identify a single pivotal moment but there have certainly been factors. Firstly, growing up in a Christian home which taught me to be selfless. And secondly, I can definitely attribute this perspective in part to my reading of self-help books.

As we neared our destination Shelly was almost brought to tears and told me that my light and message had inspired her to spend today leaving a legacy she was proud of and truly living. She was so happy our paths had crossed.

Whether you identify more with Shelly or me I hope you know that you can choose to live the life you want and that your life can inspire others.

These are the moments that leave me feeling truly fulfilled.