A unique life lesson experience
Many years ago, before smartphone were invented, I was visiting with my boss Disney World in Orlando, Florida. We had won a corporate award to visit the US. Halfway through the day, he noticed that he had lost his camera. We were not sure, when and where he inadvertently left it. We went back on our tracks in an attempt to find the camera, but with no success. My boss was discouraged and sad as the camera was expensive. I halted the “pity party” by suggesting we go to the Lost and Found service desk and inquire. He said, Hugh, we are with thousands of people in this huge place and this “was” a real expensive and nice camera. You are very naïve to think someone will return it, to which I replied, let’s just go and inquire. No harm in trying.
We finally located the right place and after answering few questions, you must have guessed it, “bingo”, the camera was found and returned with a smile. No details were given if it was a good Samaritan who found it or a member of the staff. We were happy to have found the lost camera.
This story taught me a great life lesson. Not to expect - ahead of time - outcome that are not in my control but rather focus on the things I can do. Of course, we need to learn from our experience and be smart to learn also from other experiences, but the most important is to always keep a positive attitude and focus on what we can do, not what we cannot do.
A famous quote by Reinhold Niebuhur, a Lutheran theologian comes to mind... “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
Too often, our mind works overtime, when we should just slow-down and do an “attitude check”. What is an attitude check you ask? An attitude check is similar to the “restart button” in electronics ... Push the restart button and turn-on a quieter and more relaxed mind-set that allows us to listen to that “little voice” inside of us. It will usually give us a wiser hint or two. Worrying about things we cannot change is unproductive and frustrating. Focusing on what we can do is always productive and rewarding.
W (400) Personal Note Lost and Found 6-2024