Do you ever meet someone and leave the conversation—changed, forever?
It happened to me last week.
I was waiting to meet someone at a coffee shop and my mind was buzzing with thoughts of preparing for my horse show over the weekend and strategizing for a meeting later in the day with a client.
Our meeting place—the Laughing Goat Coffee House in Boulder, CO (think hippies + yoga fiends + business professionals converging for decorated lattes, organic teas, and yummy pastries). A quaint scene to meet someone for the first time.
Twitter was the spark for our meeting that day. Twitter lead to a real conversation and eventually a decision to meet.
He was a young man—maybe in his early 30s—extremely fit, the outdoor adventure type, well shaven, and kind eyes.
Less than a year ago, he was diagnosed with what he calls a “F…-up brain.” Some sort of tumor—I didn’t ask about the details because I didn’t need to. I knew it was the type of news that would give anyone pause. What does he do? He decides to start a non-profit. I think to myself,
“I might crawl into a cave and this guy decides to start a non-profit.”
We exchange ideas, share observations, talk horses and fly fishing, and, well… connect. We connect to just connect. No agenda. No action items or desired outcomes. Just connect. I left the coffee shop humbled by my own challenges and inspired by someone that lives big, no matter what the circumstances. No doubt he has had and will have tough days. And, he was simply amazing in that moment, on that day. I’m so inspired by people that live for the experience of life, both the pain and the pleasure.
He sends this tweet later in the day. Who knows what will come of this connection. It doesn’t matter really because sometimes we just need to connect.
Have a good week everyone.
~Melissa
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I assure you; the feeling was mutual and the pleasure all mine. Thanks for the kind words and leading change in such a positive and collaborative direction.
KM
Thank you kind sir. Salt water fly fishing off the Texas coast – nice!
~Melissa