As we go throughout our lives, sometimes we can stray away from how we know we should act and treat others. The traffic jam on our way home from work can make us say things to other drivers that we do not mean. The long line at the grocery store can make us think that our dinner time is more important than someone else’s. The bad service at a restaurant turns us into raging monsters with no filter or humility. In times like these, I like to stop and tell myself, “Remember the pizza guy.” It sounds funny, but by remembering the pizza guy, we are reminding ourselves of those simple lessons we may have forgotten.

1. Remembering the pizza guy is a practice in humility and forgiveness. Even if he is rude, cuts you off in traffic, or is late delivering your pizza, he is still a human being trying to do his job just like everyone else

2. Remembering the pizza guy is a practice in empathy. Most of us know what it feels like to barely get by. Everyone is just trying to make it the best that they can. We are not against each other. We are all playing on the same team.

3. Remembering the pizza guy is a reminder of honesty and hard work. The pizza guy does not ask for anything. He just does his job like everyone else, and does it to the best of his ability.

4. Remembering the pizza guy is a lesson in equality. People are not measured by their occupation, the amount of money they make, or the car they drive, but by the kindness in their heart and the content of their character.

One of the many beginnings to happiness starts with appreciating the small things, and people, in life. It starts with being humble, loving, and gracious. Maybe if we all learned to be a little more like the pizza guy, we would all live much happier days.