MAIN DESCRIPTION:

CH: “When I was a kid I would drive around with my mom looking for a place to park. Whenever we searched for parking in busy areas she would always say “It’s all about parking karma.” She would say it with a smile and ask me to wait patiently. At first I didn’t really get what she meant but later I understood. She thought that if we stayed calm and had a positive attitude a parking spot would eventually become available for us. She used that method to maintain a positive atmosphere when the streets were crowded. I began using this habit as I got older saying “parking karma” every time I looked for a parking space. It became my method to remind myself to stay calm, positive, and hopeful no matter how annoying things got.”

INFORMANT’S OPINION:

JL: What do you think this phrase means?

CH: “Looking back, I think it really means that I should remain optimistic and be patient even when things get tough. My mom always thought that if I stayed calm and didn’t get upset, good things would come my way in the end. She thought that sharing positive energy even in little things like parking would help everything work out in the end. As time went on I realized that this saying could be used for other aspects in my life too. It could be used to face life with the same attitude. If I remain calm and keep an open mind, situations might improve even when it feels like everything is against me.”

PERSONAL INTERPRETATION:

I personally have never heard of this phrase so it is new to me in a sense. However, hearing the informant’s story presented me with this new mindset in life. Life does get pretty tough sometimes whether it’s trying to find parking in a crowded space or any other difficult scenario. It is truly important to step back, remain calm, and keep an open mind. Majority of the time, we get worked up in situations because they are stressful. It’s important to stay positive and let it run its course because in the end you will be fine.