Nov
03
Life’s little traumas make memorable stories
Most of us never climbed Mount Everest, were held hostage at gunpoint, or saved the lives of a family trapped in a burning building. Those stories are riveting, but aren’t worth much more than entertainment value. I cannot connect with those stories. They are out of the realm of my experience. I don’t learn life’s lessons from them.
Last night I heard a small story about a man who took his wife and newborn son on a 5 hour plane trip to visit the in-laws. He had us on the edge of our chairs as he maneuvered his 6′7″ frame into his seat. We were laughing, crying, and commiserating with his plight. He could make many points from this story. “You can take anything for 5 hours.” “Don’t take it personally.” “Learn from babies. Take a break and sleep.”
Ordinary stories can provide great learning. What’s your story?