-
No Routine Manner
March 12, 2013
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
"Those things that matter the least should not get in the way of those things that matter the most." -- Darren Hardy
I take the A train each morning to work in New York. Over the past couple of months, it just so happens that my commute has coincided with a mom, dad and their two boys who would make a perfect case study about the urban family lifestyle in an ever-changing world.
I've noticed the same routine over several instances now ... they board the subway and he passes out breakfast while she applies makeup. They discuss any family business for the day and then something happens that has really stuck out for me.
Now, I will admit that upon witnessing this for the first time, it seemed annoying to me because it's happening on a super-crowded train that has people packed in like sardines each morning. There is no space, the air is thin, and most people are only in the robotic state of getting somewhere to accomplish a task and call it a day. My question was, "Why not sit there quiet like everyone else!?"
However, when I got fully present around this moment while listening to them today, it struck me of how amazing it really is.
You see, after the family gets settled in their seats, the dad takes out a book and starts to read a story out loud to his children.
Such a simple thing, but it occurred to me that in the chaos of a morning commute, rude people, and boring routines ... I bet those boys look forward to that time each day with great anticipation. While everyone else is simply getting somewhere, they are being taken on a great adventure.
It doesn't matter the platform; the story and communication is what has been made most important and I am so impressed with the dad for finding a way to make it happen.
I know it is something they will cherish over the years as they recall the places to go and the possibility available to them through the art of communication.
I wanted to share this story because it reminded me of my early days in radio. It was people, great personalities, like this father who filled the airwaves with amazing stories and great adventure that kept me tuning in again and again to find out what happens next.
In a crowded world, they were a voice who found a way through the art form of communication to help me connect, let go, and simply be in the moment. They knew how to use the tools given to them to build something amazing ... and it wasn't the tool itself that made it incredible ... it was how they used it, shaped it, customized it, and owned it in their time with it. It resulted in an experience that made me want to follow them anywhere.
So as you read stories this week that are only designed to ignite fear in a crowded world and keep you in that robotic state of holding on to what's routine, remember this story.
If a family can find a way to make the content important, no matter the place, so can you. Focus on the passion and the art of communication first and connect it wherever it may take you. Not the other way around.
Yes, you will annoy most who are simply doing what everyone else is and trying to accomplish a task and call it a day ... BUT ... the greater opportunity through using the passion and content first is you will also become cherished by many as they look forward to each day with great anticipation of what grand adventure you will deliver next ... finding a way to make it happen through many connection points.
-
-