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I have been out of work before and I have felt the stress of unemployment. From experience though, I have discovered the most wonderful opportunities because I slowed down.
I focused on the relationships I already had and set up meetings with people on their schedule (not mine). I listened carefully and I asked for their advice.
Now as an entrepreneur, I am making old mistakes. I hope these next two stories have a positive impact on your day.
The other week, I noticed Ruby sitting by herself in the cafeteria. Ruby is the dear old cafeteria cashier who always greets me with the warmest smile. Always asks about my family. Always gives me a hard time about looking at my blackberry (or as she calls it "my always texting device"). Always reminds me how blessed we all are.
So I joined Ruby for breakfast while she was on her break. She shared a story with me about a person who said he doesn't become friends with black people. Ruby, who is African American, wouldn't accept that. She was determined to build a relationship with this person knowing we are all the same. Today, they are friends.
Ruby - Thank you for your wonderful story.
But I owe you an apology.
During our conversation, I looked down at my "always texting device" for a minute because the siren buzz went off. You may not have noticed. You deserved my undivided attention. Nothing was more important at that moment than being present.
When she had to run back to her station, she asked me to do one thing today... pick up something for my wife before I return home.
I did, Ruby. Thank you for making me a better husband. I found a Starbucks Bearista teddy bear staring at me from the Target checkout line and brought it home to my wife.
"Do you know how blessed you are to have a wonderful wife?" Ruby asked.
I just nodded and smiled. It didn't sink in until several minutes later the impact of the entire conversation.
Returning to my blackberry, I received the following email story randomly from my Mom. She had no way of knowing what was on my mind. I never read this story before and confirmed it is true. Hopefully, it will impact you as much as it has me.
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007.
The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After 3 minutes:
A middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.
4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.
He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.
Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The Washington Post won a Pulitzer in the feature writing category for Gene Weingarten's April 2007 story about this experiment.
The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?
Ruby - I have put down my "always texting device."
Thank you for making me a better person. I apologize for missing a moment of our beautiful conversation.
Thoughts or recommendations from others?
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