Blog #669: The World’s Most Difference Making Word

Every year…

December is reserved for me
to sharpen the vision for my life.

And to create a few adventures.

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This year…

I’m hanging out in the Caribbean for a few weeks.

But before I even got here, I was stuck sitting in airports.
So I started creating adventures.

What kind of adventures can you have waiting to catch a connecting flight?

Conversations.

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I was in the St. Louis airport…

And I didn’t feel like sitting and waiting…and waiting and sitting.

So I said, “Hello.”

Lots.

Sometimes I am rewarded with awesome conversations.

I had three good ones in St. Louis.

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#1. Rebecca.

I LOVE college women’s basketball. Flying from Los Angeles to St. Louis, the St. Louis University women’s team was on my plane. Multiple conversations with energetic players ensued. But my best conversation was with the head coach after we landed.

As I exited the plane and started the long walk and wait to pick up my bags, I identified the coach.

“Hello…” I said.

A great conversation began as we talked about a topic we both love.

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#2. Heidi.

As I waited for my flight to Miami, I engaged a fellow traveler, Heidi. I learned she was a passionate adventurer who lives in Boston. She had recently jumped out of a plane for a sixth time…qualifying her for a special license.

I learned much about her process for conquering fear and the inspiration behind why she does what she does.

And it started with me saying, “Hello…”

______

#3. Marco.

I saw a guy fidgeting in a seat across from me. He seemed extra nervous. I thought I’d go over and talk with him. I learned he was on his way to Miami to see his girlfriend, whom he hadn’t seen in six months. Because of jobs, they lived on opposite sides of the country. Marco was about to change that.

He showed me the ring he was going to be giving her in Miami.

And it started with me saying, “Hello…”

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“Hello.”

It’s the most powerful opportunity creator in the world.

All my best friends in life came my way through a first “hello.”

All my future best friends will come to me the same way.

And I think…

We should never wait for it to be said to us first.

Because if we do…

We may miss out on meeting a lot of extraordinary people.

And opportunities.

S.