Stories

Happy Friday loves! I hope you have been having a great week.  Although it is mid October, I am still wearing summer clothes due to a current heat wave. Weather, just like life is unpredictable. I want to share with you the power of a story. But before I do that, I need to let you know how much you find out about life and people if you just listen.  

Somebody recently told me that although everyone has a story no one cared about my story and whatever storms I have gone through in my life, I should just get over it because no one cares. What that misguided person didn't understand is that people do care about my story and they care about yours too. If we didn't care about stories, movies wouldn't be made, books wouldn't be written and blogs would not be created. The truth is way better than fiction. Do you want to know the power of a story? Keep reading.

Little Tokyo is where I go when I want some delicious barbecue chicken and kimchee or a fusion taco. Or to have some green tea mochi, but today was different. 

Today I was in that reflective place where I did not want to talk. I just wanted to listen.

Rather than my usual lunch companions, I decided to dine alone. I am so glad I did because if I had been in the company of others, I would have missed what was happening around me. I listen. and I listen very intently to what people say and what they don't say. Someone once told me that God gave us two ears and one mouth because listening is more important. Do you agree?

At the quaint restaurant where I dined on Korean Barbecue, I was listening intently to everything around me and observing the people having lunch. This is what I heard: "It's been a year since I lost Jimmy"  and then at the next table: "If we bring you on and meet our objectives, your full salary will be your bonus" and then I heard:  "I don't watch reality TV shows, my life is enough" and then nestled at a corner table was a young woman reading
"The Art of War". So around me was loss, the potential of gain, and someone preparing for a battle.

My attention zeroed in on the table of men discussing bonuses and incentives. It became very clear after a few moments that the one that held the most power was the one who said the least. He listened intently and said little while they wooed him with flattery over his development that they hoped to profit from. The less he said, the more they talked to fill in the space.  And when he spoke, it was direct and deliberate. They hung on his words like they were a parachute. This was no rookie. He was seasoned in a way you wouldn't be unless you have been burned before. He listened and then he asked the right questions. I could tell from the look in his eye that he was going to leave the deal on the table because he knew he deserved better than what they were offering. 

 Its an important lesson to learn that you don't have to take something just because its offered.  Real Talk:  they already knew his value, but were hoping he didn't.

Life Lesson: Know your worth

The woman who lost her loved one chatted about taking a trip to Mexico and the woman reading The Art of War took a deep breath, clutched her book under her arm and walked out. She was ready to ante up and somebody was about to get served.  I wish I knew her story.  What's your story?  Do other peoples stories move you? I know they move me.

Your story is always relevant. Someone will find empowerment, encouragement or change course because of your story. And if you don't like your story, just turn the page and start a new chapter.

They say eyes are the window to the soul.  My friends often comment on the way my eyes change colors depending on the season and in some cases how I feel. People often ask, "is that your real eye color?" And I say yes, God gave them to me. That response always gets a smile out of someone:-)

What you do and how you do it, what you say and how you say it is impacting someone else, whether you realize it or not.

Top: System, Jeans: JC Penney, Shoes: Target, Clutch: DIY, Necklace: Body Central, Wisdom: GOD

 The people I admire the most in life, the biographies I like to read are about people with a story to tell.  Stories of courage, tenacity, status quo rejecting, dream catching and fire starting, especially in the face of challenges and opposition. 

 have you ever noticed that fireflies are attracted to other fireflies?

 Whats your story? I bet its a page turner. I know mine is. I think someone should make it into a mini series:-)

 Have an amazing day!