Today was an interesting test for me in several ways. First, I got up early – rode my bike, went to breakfast and hung out at the pool. Went to the airport frustrated for many reasons and had the following happen to me ( in a short period of time ).
1) Breezed through the Clear Line in Orlando Airport – good system.
2) Went to have a drink in the airport and was “frustrated” with the service. I wanted to strangle the waiter and right when I was going to say something, a lady next to me said – Are you the shoe guy? I said yes and was really friendly to the waiter after that. Thank God I did not get cranky with him.
3) Southwest Flight 1075 – always on time and mostly full. I was sitting there an kept feeling like this lady and daughter was looking at me. I thought, well I did get some sun, in a suit and maybe they think I am handsome. (ego) They kept making me feel like I was being watched – I got up to go to the restroom and when I returned the mom said, excuse me sir – I responded and yes — she asked if I have ever been to Boloxi, I said yes. She said that she remembered me from handing her a pair of shoes after Katrina, She said – do you remember I showed you my home by the tile in the kitchen. I said – wow – I told her that I describe her often when I am speaking in public of how a storm does not discriminate and tell the story of her walking me to the place where her house was. Candidly, I teared up speaking to her realizing how a stupid pair of shoes made a difference in her life.
When I got to the airport several hours ago, I was frustrated about alot of things – in and not within my control. When I landed, I said Wayne – what are you being so stupid for and that I need to listen to my own advice – Look out the windshield not the rear view mirror.
So then I landed, got on the shuttle to get my car and the driver knows me and said – what you are doing is great? I am proud to have you as a customer and honored to know you.
I left the shuttle feeling like a real ass – I need to look out the windshield more and not get consumed with people and “Me.”
Ok so I had enough – then I got home – changed clothes and went to the gym. When I was working out, I thought about the realities of the world we live in and to forge forward making a huge difference in peoples lives. I can not get consumed by stuff or people that are potential roadblocks but rather forging forward — Looking out the windshield not the rear view mirror — or walking looking at the future.. you know stuff that I tell people daily, I need to tell myself and LISTEN!
