At a recent conference where I was keynoting, a woman introduced herself and told me her story. Suffice to say that Lorraine Berlin has a lot on her plate. She’s a mother and grandmother and someone who’s in the middle of a major transition. I don’t envy her current circumstances but I know this woman is headed for great things.
Here’s the story she told me after my speech about being “in the moment” and taking advantage of now. Imagine yourself in her situation as you read along (men, you’ll only have to make a small gear adjustment):
You’re facing a long day of giving presentations to prospective clients. Wanting to look your most credible, you’ve put on your best navy business suit and matching pumps. It’s December, but there’s no snow so the good shoes are a non issue.
But after lunch, despite the sun, it starts snowing. With each hour the flakes fall faster and thicker. By 4:30, as you swing into the daycare center parking lot to pick up your three-year old grandson Preston, you’re stepping into almost four inches of snow. As the two of you leave the building your grandson looks down, beams and says, “Gwanma, let’s lay down and make snow angels.”
Your heart is touched but you make an appeal, “Honey, grandma is wearing her best suit and heels. I can’t make snow angels dressed like this!” Preston looks at you with those huge appealing eyes and says, “Pweassseee?” You stand there, torn between the practical and the deliciously impulsive. Then a wistful feeling sweeps over you.
Just a few months ago, your father passed away and the loss is still raw. You look at Preston and say, “Why NOT?” So, power suit, pumps and all, right in front of the daycare school you and your giggling grandson make snow angels.
You invite other adults and kids to join in but nobody does. Some look, some smile, some just walk away while the two of you laugh and play in the snow. You know in your heart that even your best business suit and shoes can be cleaned, repaired, or replaced, but moments like this, when lost, can never be retrieved.
Simple Action: Life is short and we need to take immediate action when opportunities present themselves for the taking or memories are there for the making.
NOTE: I wish you many snow angels; the one above is mine. Thank you, Lorraine, for being a life enricher.
