I am a big believer in learning something from everyone I meet. It’s part of my life game plan. On a clear day my path will cross with someone and I wait for the lesson. On a foggy dark day I am often unwilling or unaware of the lesson right in front of my face. And that my friends, is my challenge.

Now, before you get agitated by my “Polyanna” spin, I’m not saying all “crossings” are sweet and happy. Most are downright aggravating and challenge our patience. Others break our hearts and shatter ideals.

I also believe crossings are not coincidental. Running into an old high school friend who gives you the inspiration you’ve been searching for. Witnessing a squirrel dangerously dash across a busy road is the best sort of reminder to take it slow and be aware. Overhearing a daughter’s tone of voice when speaking to her mother in a doctor’s waiting room offers a whole new perspective. These are the “crossings” I am referring to. Everyday run of the mill interactions that mold us into who we are today.

I want to share a few I experienced recently that might seem small and silly to you, but were oddly enough, game changers for me. And therefore, I felt worthy of an entire blog. If just one reader benefits from this, I shall consider it a win.

I am a "rusher," but not the kind who rushed for a sorority back in her college days or a football running back. I am referring to the way I conduct myself. When someone requests a simple action or response from me, I respond as if my hair is on fire. My gut reaction is not to take up too much of their time or be a nuisance. Albeit, a phone conversation where I speak too quickly, which inevitably results in having to repeat myself. Or I thrash through my wallet at checkout only to get everything in a tangle. Maybe you do this too. But, every single time these sort of things happen, I berate and shame myself for handling them like such an amateur.

So, imagine my dismay when I was shopping with a dear friend and witnessed her calmly take her time to sort through her wallet for just what was needed. Even the shopkeeper didn't seem to mind. Instead of chaos, there was calm. She handled the task with grace and confidence. Had I blinked, I may have missed it. But thankfully my day was a clear one and I was paying attention. I knew immediately I was going to embrace her way as my new way.

The other “crossing” took place over the last few weeks. We hired a gentleman to help address and rectify a puzzling flooding problem at our home. After meeting many different people and hearing their plans, Wayne won! He’s not your typical winner, honestly. Nothing sexy about him. No swagger, no fancy truck or tools but he embodies everything you want. He is professional, methodical, timely, fair and has an amazing work ethic. He arrived bright and early every single day with a smile on his face, including weekends. He rarely stopped to take a break, other than to eat the lunch his wife packed for him. Yet, he always made the time to explain his progress and plan for the day. He’s quite literally old school, as Wayne is 75 years young.

So yes, I watched Wayne carefully. It was a very tricky, technical and arduous job and I am not ashamed to admit I was a touch concerned about his welfare. But, what started out as a watchful eye quickly turned into fascination. He not only worked tirelessly, but happily. He never panicked or got angry when a challenge presented itself, actually it seemed he almost enjoyed it. He paused, made the necessary adjustments and moved forward with no fuss. I, for example, get so angry with myself if I’ve forgotten my rake in the garage and I am just in my backyard. I decided I wanted, and more importantly, needed to work more like Wayne. I want to enjoy the job at hand, take pride in the little details and learn to embrace the inevitable bumps in the road as well.

Moral: Gosh golly, can’t we all use a little “Wayne” in our worlds?

Just me trying to keep up with my new friend Wayne and his world.

Watch and learn my friends,

A little extra thing you should know: As a reminder to stay on track and reward myself for working on me, I bought the very same wallet my friend uses! And you guessed it, it works like a charm!

Allison's Blog