“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus
Walmart saved my life.
I pulled into the hotel’s parking lot at 9:30 on a Sunday night for a marathon Monday with five Grategy programs I was presenting beginning at 5:30 am. I opened my trunk to collect my suitcase. Oh no, it was not there. “This cannot not be happening to me!” I groaned. I guess I was so focused on packing the car with the supplies for the program that I neglected to include this one critical item. My husband verified that, yes, my suitcase was indeed sitting safely at the top of the steps.
At 10:00 on a Sunday night, there are not a lot of options. My first thought was “Where is the nearest Walmart?” Luckily, it was only 4.5 miles away. I outfitted myself from head to toe and was back at the hotel and in bed, one and a half hours later. I have to say; it may not have been the attire I had in my suitcase, but I pretty much rocked the outfit. Thank you, Walmart!
I wasn’t going to say anything about this ordeal during my program. After all, I didn’t want my new client to think I was an idiot. However, on my way to the plant, I passed that fateful Walmart, and it spoke to me, “Tell the story.” And I did. The attendees loved it. Why? It was real.
The lesson learned? Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. People will love you even if you’re not perfect. When life doesn’t go according to plan, figure out your Plan B. You’ll not only get it done, you’ll have a funny story to boot!
When we only let our good side show, others may not connect with us as well as they do when they realize we also have flaws. It’s all good!