“Be not afraid of going slowly; be only afraid of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb
This past week, I was invited to fly to Snowbird, Utah, to be part of a major Foundation’s leadership retreat.
It was a whirlwind experience.
And, although I was so damn nervous before my own presentation, it was an amazing time.
And when it was done, I craved home.
But an easy trip home wasn’t meant to be.
A combination of bad weather and the orange, fog-like smoke from the Canadian wildfires led to hundreds of flight cancellations. As I stood before a massive screen full of cancelled flights at the Salt Lake City airport, I saw mine getting cancelled too.
I would be stuck there - in the airport food court - for hours.
Then, something happened.
My eyes fixed on a man in a blue t-shirt who approached a black grand piano near the food court’s windows.
He sat. And began to play.
As his fingers danced across the keys, a kind of enchantment descended.
I watched as people pulled their earbuds from their ears, momentarily lifting their gaze from their screens.
Time seemed to stand still.
It was as if a thread had woven itself between us all strangers, travelers in purgatory as we waited to get to different places across the globe, connecting us in a shared experience.
When his final note rang out, a wave of applause erupted throughout the food court.
And then, something else happened.
Another man stepped from this chair and onto the piano bench.
As he started to play, a young girl jumped up from her mom’s safe and comfortable lap and began to dance.
Some people looked misty and nostalgic.
And my fog of frustration had lifted.
I would get home.
A little later, yes.
But my heart a little fuller.
This Week’s Scare Your Soul Challenge: Create a Small Moment of Joy for Someone Else
My dear fellow adventurers, welcome to another week of Scare Your Soul challenges, where we embark on journeys of self-discovery and connect with the world around us in extraordinary ways.
This week's challenge is a delightful invitation to spread love, kindness, and joy to others through the magic of small moments. In a world often filled with haste and worries, let us pause, take a deep breath, and commit to creating ripples of happiness that touch the lives of those around us.
So, gather your courage, open your hearts, and join me as we embark on an exploration of how to infuse the world with small, but profound, moments of pure joy.
Make a Mixtape. Choose one friend, and email them a surprise Spotify playlist with all of the songs from your past that you both used to love.
Unleash a Moment of Unexpected Music: Find a way to bring music to someone who don’t expect it. Play a song on a kazoo in the middle of a crowded subway car, play a public piano, bring a drum or guitar onto your street and serenade your neighbors.
Reward a Server. Take up a collection from your friends or co-workers, and surprise a restaurant server with a huge tip.
Host an Adult Lemonade Stand. Create laughter around the block by setting up a lemonade stand in a park or other public space. You could even partner with a local charity to donate a portion of the proceeds.
Create a Compliment Extravaganza: Make it your mission to sprinkle compliments like confetti. Throughout your day, intentionally compliment strangers on their outfits, hairstyles, or even their infectious laughter.
Go Guerrilla Gardening: Buy 3-4 plants at Trader Joes and leave on the front doorstep of people you don’t know. If you feel ambitious, you could even plant a whole garden in an abandoned lot.
Become a Resident Photographer at a Photo Spot: Visit a place where you know people like to take photos/selfies. Offer yourself up as the resident photographer and take photos of everyone.
Be A Book Philanthropist: Choose five of your favorite books. Write a note explaining why a stranger might love the book just as much, and leave the books in public places like a doctor's office waiting room or a homeless shelter.
Available now! Scare Your Soul: 7 Powerful Principles to Harness Fear and Lead Your Most Courageous Life!