Everyone Has A Story

There are interesting people everywhere.

Typically, when I'm in New York, I find myself caught up in conversations while trying to relax with a cocktail and unwind.

Although I do always get my cocktail, I don't usually ever get to relax or unwind, but rather I find myself in the midst of people who are in need of conversation or a faithful and care filled ear.
In the words of a best friend ... "and that's fine".

And is is just fine.

I don't mind absorbing the burdens of others, no matter how long it takes and no matter if it means that I don't get to go home, which typically upsets my partner,but that's fine as well.

I know that his annoyance, anger, or resentment ebbs and fades with time.

I don't mind investing my time listening to others, perchance to assist somehow. In fact, I enjoy it.

It is amazing what an affect we can have when we just listen and allow others to share their stories.

When we listen, most people are able to talk their way through their concerns and hear the solution without a spoken word.

Faith.

A very dear friend of mine from my teen years emailed me today to share a quick story of his life in faith.

I replied with a lengthy email about my story, but that's just me ... a long story.

My background has taken me to meet people from all different areas in life.

I've run the gambit from homeless people to accomplished performers, established clergy to influential governmental and financial figures.

My partner Frank & I have certainly enjoyed some interesting visits to our nation's capitol when I was working for the government.

Sometimes I need to share my story as well.

Somehow I never do.

Each and every one of us has a story to tell and they are all important.

It's easy to forget sometimes that everyone has a story to tell and we have lessons to be learned if we would only take the time to listen.

We are so accustomed to hearing the stories of people in the news that we sometimes lose track of the fact that the random stranger on the bus also has a fascinating story about where she or he came from and how they got to be where they are.

The sheer variety of paths taken in this world, from farmers to CEOs to homeless people to world travelers, is indicative of how much we can learn from each individual and one another.

Another friend visited me the other day and spoke of his shyness in his younger days. He is certainly no longer shy and is quite outreaching. He also composes beautiful poetry which professes his outstanding faith and beliefs,and he shares that daily. He truly is inspiring and we could learn quite a bit through him.

Sometimes the shy, quiet person has the most amazing life story and the biggest dreams.

It is up to us to take the time to uncover that.

Some people travel a path of wealth and privilege, while others struggle with only themselves to rely upon.

However, both have great stories to tell ... life stories, in the Universe's way of teaching us, of guiding us, and of looking over us with loving care.

Each person learns lessons, makes choices, and develops a unique perspective, which only each of us can claim and share.

Even two people who have had very similar lives will have slightly different experiences, leading each to a different point of view, so each person returns and remains as a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

A treasure trove within a person.

What a beautiful concept.

What a wonderful reality!

To see each person as a treasure trove opens up a whole new world of acceptance and insight.

When we take the time to ask questions and listen to the stories of the lives of others, we find that every person has a fascinating story to tell and an utterly unique perspective from which to tell it.

Bearing this in mind, we have the opportunity to approach the world around us in a new way.

Therefore, there is never any reason to be bored at a party, or on the bus, or in a conversation with a stranger or a friend.

When we retain the spark of curiosity and the warmth required to provide for someone to open up, we always have in front of us the makings of a great story.

All we have to do is ask ... and listen.

So, I ask you ...

Are you ready to ask?

Are you ready to listen?

Are you ready to share?

With much love, much light, and an open heart & ear ...

and Blessings,

Rob