Month: October 2018

On my weekend drives in Illinois, I started to recognize driving as a metaphor for seizing opportunities. My reflexes to quickly turn onto a side street or into a parking lot were pretty weak. I’d pass by, and the moment was lost.  

Out here on the road, I’m getting more practice Seizing the Opportunity both in and out of the car. I’ve learned to put up the tent now, while it’s still light out; take down the tent now, because it may rain later; look up driving directions, pay bills, and check email now, while I have internet access; stop for gas now, while there’s a gas station nearby; go for a hike while the weather’s pleasant, before the mosquitoes get horrendous.

You have five seconds to decide- Are you going to take the off ramp and visit this charming seaside town? Are you going to stop at the farm stand? Are you going to pull over and take this picture? You can turn around and go back, but by then, the deer has stolen into the woods, the light has changed, and the scene is no longer picture-worthy.  

I feel like I’m practicing for bigger, life-changing opportunities. I need to be prepared to grab them while they are available and within reach.

I didn’t know I would have so much to say about bathrooms.  

I’m reminded of a layover I had once at the Charlotte, NC, airport. A few women with Jamaican accents were cleaning the bathroom, and as travelers entered, the cleaning staff would call out, “Ladies! Come on in! Join the party!” I don’t know if any music was actually playing, but in my memory, I hear bubbling Caribbean rhythms in the background because of the atmosphere these women had created. As travelers washed up and left, the staff would bid, “Enjoy your flight!” and say “Thank you, ladies” Forget customer service- when was the last time you received a welcome like that? When was the last time you gave someone else a welcome, a goodbye, or a thank you with much enthusiasm? It’s so inspiring to see people who make an art of their work, who love their work, who lift others up through their work. Let me reiterate that these women were cleaning the bathroom. If they can bring that kind of joy to others, what’s my excuse?

I love how these women took a leadership role and claimed the bathroom as their territory. They made it their job to not just to scrub and mop, but to revitalize all the weary souls who entered. It’s really inspiring to see people in action who have their priorities in order.