I will remember that when a situation does not go the way I expected, the people involved still want to be great. They always deserve my best. This sojourn in Houston taught me that. I can't believe the great people that went out of their way to help me on Friday night and on Saturday morning as I waited for a flight to Denver. Also, since my appreciation for them came from my heart and with no hidden agenda for personal gain, they wanted to serve even more.
2. Check Your Belief System. I always try to remember to check and recheck my belief system - the old stereotypes, fears and assumptions that may be keeping me stuck in a negative attitude. For one thing, focusing on negatives never solved a problem or created an opportunity. For another thing, it just makes you feel crummy (a scientific term for an unhealthy medical condition).
3. Focus on Solutions. I stayed focused on solutions and kept asking questions that got others thinking that way too. People want to be great. There is no limit to the discoveries and options we can make when we focus on solutions - and the best ideas are always ahead. Boy oh boy does the brain trigger on questions! And we all know that "blaming" or playing the victim never solved anything.
Fortunately, I took this opportunity and followed my own advice above. Otherwise, I would have been in Houston till Monday. I also would have missed out on getting to know the 19-year-old girl who was sitting next to me on my Saturday morning flight to Denver. We had a great time, sharing songs on her I-pod. I have to admit that, I was limited by my old stereotype image and belief systems about teenagers. I was almost convinced that she was full of herself and unsociable. Fortunately, I took a magic moment to remind myself once again that everyone wants to be great and everyone wants to be appreciated - unless I "wall" them out of my life. It's almost always a positive experience for both parties when we give people a third and fourth chance.
At first my friendly smile and comment was rebuffed. But I persisted - there is always a way. I will simply try again or try a new way. Sure enough, when she saw that I was seeing her as an interesting person, and not a stereotypical teen, she started acting like an interesting person, and not a stereotypical teen!
I hope I always remember the lessons I learned in Houston. No matter what is going on, there are always amazing things to be thankful for, and that simple conscious choice reduces stress and creates joy, fun and peace. Furthermore, as our gratitude helps get and keep us on a roll, it also opens up amazing unexpected doors and opportunities.
It can take considerable awareness, discipline and conscious work to operate in the way described above, but it takes vastly less energy than the alternative. (At the Houston airport, I observed many unhappy travelers who were sabotaging their own progress and results.)
I hope my little Houston story is valuable to you. I look forward to hearing your real life lessons and stories. What is your mindset today that will bless your day and the people around you, and give you extra peace and health?
My very best to you!
