A thought by Leonard Sweet, (2012-03-13) from his
book, Viral: How Social Networking Is Poised to Ignite Revival (p. 84). Random House, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
It is
so easy for us to walk through life afraid to look at people’s faces. We are just so busy and we really don’t want
to see their faces, we really don’t want to listen to their story because we
don’t have time to get involved. But it
is different when we are on the other side.
Do
you ever look at a person’s face and wonder what their story is? Do you ever ask them?
Have
you ever wanted someone to ask you? I
mean your life has had a difficult turn or a fantastic turn and you would just
like to share it but no one asks.
It is
so easy for us to walk through life afraid to look at people’s faces. We are just so busy and we really don’t want
to see their faces, we really don’t want to listen to their story because we
don’t have time to get involved. But it
is different when we are on the other side.
The
business of life has made it difficult to connect with people but just a moment
of time can make a major difference for them and for you.
I usually
sit at Starbucks right by where the drinks come out. It usually takes a couple of minutes to get
their drink mixed so I usually smile or make a comment and from that a
connection is made. Some need the connection
and some don’t but I never know until I try.
One
lady told me a very painful story of what she was going through right then. As she was leaving with tears in her eyes she
said, thanks.
I
quietly one day asked a very successful business man how he was doing, he
seemed to be in pain and he told me that he had cancer and for the next 10
years we lived out his story until the day that the mayor of Las Vegas and I lead
his funeral.
Another
young lawyer told me her story of living a life out of control and I mentioned
something about the need for margin in our lives. She came back a few weeks later and told me
that she had quit her job with one of the largest firms in Las Vegas and was
taking time off to have a baby.
I could
tell you story after story of people in my Pasadena world and my New York world
and my Florida world who have little by little told their story. People need people to care. But it starts with looking at people’s face
and when they look back giving them an authentic smile and then to see where it
goes.
Also
if you need to tell someone your story first find out about theirs. It’s amazing what a difference it will make
also for you.
Life
is tough and it shows on our faces. So what
story does your face show?
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