Dearest Readers,
After two months on the road I am home (sweet home) and it feels great to be here. Yesterday afternoon after completing the cardio spurt I committed to last year I looked out at the mountains, deep green with summer life, and said to myself, “Man, I love this place.”
When I flew home the other day I had a long layover so decided to take the Canada Line into Vancouver to run some errands. After a fruitful shopping session I headed back to the airport to spend the rest of my time chilling in the departure lounge.
On my way back inside the airport I witnessed an interesting exchange between a guy heading in my direction and a guy heading in the opposite direction, for the trains. This is the conversation that took place:
Guy Heading for the Airport: Are you going downtown?
Guy Heading for the Trains: Uh, yes.
GHFTA: I have a Day-Pass and I don’t need it. Would you like it?
GHFTT: How much do you want for it?
GHFTA: No, nothing. You can have it. It’s good for the whole day.
GHFTT: Oh, okay. Thanks. Thank you.
GHFTA: You’re welcome. It’s good for the whole day!
As the GHFTA and I walked inside I was tempted to say something to him. I wanted to acknowledge his generosity in some way, you know, validate it for him. It was on the tip of my tongue to speak, to say the words, “That was really generous of you.” He stood right in front of me, the escalator carrying us down together.
I kept silent.
Why? Was it fear? No. I’ve been afraid to speak out in such situations before but this time it was something else that held my tongue.
Humility. Both his and mine.
First of all, his: The GHFTA didn’t do what he did for recognition. He made the decision alone, he took the action alone and he alone would receive the benefits of such kindness.
And we all know what those are, don’t we? A sense of satisfaction at having done something decent. A feeling of righteousness without the “self” in front. Integrity, increased self-esteem. All good stuff.
Okay, secondly, mine: The GHFTA didn’t need me to make his action count. Who was I to interfere? “That was really generous of you.” No duh. That’s why he did it.
Don’t get me wrong. As an Inspiring Coach I’m all about validating our successes, however small. But by keeping my mouth shut I was acknowledging my own insignificance in the situation. I was the Silent Witness, nothing more.
This action not taken on my part was inspired by the GHFTA’s own humble gesture. He didn’t need me to make his day. He’d already done that for himself.
Inspiring Message of the Day: Am I the kind of person who needs to make everything about me? Today I will be the Silent Witness, allowing other people to have their moment in the spotlight without my interference.
