Never underestimate the power and influence you can have on another person.
The other week I was flying from Sacramento to Atlanta. Each time I fly I make it my mission to meet someone new, it’s usually someone that I am sitting next to on the plane.
On my first leg of the trip to Atlanta I sat next to an older gentleman. Recently retired, he was headed to Wyoming to purchase a small airplane. He hasn’t flew in 14 years but told me that this is the time for him to get back into the cockpit.
Fortunately, I was sitting next to him and he wasn’t my pilot.
The conversation went well. I put in place many different things I learned from one of my favorite books by Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
By the end of the flight we were both very grateful to have meet each other, so much so that after we landed, as I was walking to my next gate he came running up to me, wishing me a safe flight. I wished him a blessed life and we went our separate ways.
Now I had about an hour to kill at the Phoenix airport.
So what did I do?
I went to the bar.
Entering the bar I walked around patiently, hoping to find a seat. Unable to find one I circled around again, finally finding one.
The seat was squeezed between a mid-30’s business professional and a younger woman who was carrying on a conversation with the person sitting next to her.
Thankful to have found a seat, I sat.
Of course, I wanted to spark a conversation with the pretty woman sitting next to me, but I didn’t.
Instead, I contemplated putting my earphones back in my ears to hear a song I recently found, for the 53rd time.
I chose against the earphones, proceeded to order a beer, and began watching ESPN that was playing on the TV’s throughout the bar.
As I did this I noticed the gentleman sitting next to me, business suit, chicken wing sauce on his fresh white collared shirt, half a beer, and an empty shot glass.
I asked the guy where he was headed and he said back to New York.
Being that I’ve never been to New York, I proceeded to talk with him. He told me he was in finance and had been since graduating from college about 10 years ago.
I continued the conversation by being truly engaged, interested in his journey, and the path of his life.
I’ve been working on seeing everyone for the Genius they are, recognizing the Life that flows through them. I took this approach during the discussion.
Towards the end of our conversation he offered to buy me a drink.
I wasn’t going to argue with that.
After getting my new beer he told me he had two young boys and then I saw tears come to his eyes.
He said “If my two boys grew up to be someone like you, I’d be a proud father.” Tears were now flowing down his cheeks.
Words Are Powerful
I didn’t know how to handle this, I was just carrying on a great conversation. Don’t get me wrong, I love being appreciated, it’s very humbling, but what this man said took me by surprise.
“If my two boys grew up to be someone like you, I’d be a proud father.”
(Am I even worthy of receiving this compliment?)
I was very grateful and told the man I really appreciated his comments.
He wiped his eyes, paid the tab, and began to grab his bags.
I searched my heart, my mind, my spirit, hoping to find something to say to this man who paid me such a respectable comment.
I searched for a few moments while he was grabbing his bags and began to speak, telling him this:
“I really appreciate your kind words and the drink you got me. I wish you a great life brother,” (something I say to almost everybody I meet at an airport)
then I proceeded,
“To your two boys please remember to show them love. Remember to appreciate them, congratulate them, support them, but most importantly, love them. Love is powerful my friend. When you have love, no material could replace that, not even money.”
I saw more tears begin to form as he stuck out his hand. “Thank you,” he said as he turned to catch his flight.
I’d like to thank Neil for sitting next to me at the bar of the Phoenix Airport and the valuable lessons his discussion taught me.
Love > materials (Three Key Tweeter)
Here are 3 quick tips I learned through this experience that can assist you in embracing your ability to influence others:
#1 – Know that Everyone is in your Life for a Reason – You have something to learn from everyone, even those people you may only know for a few minutes. People come and go, you can always grow.
#2 – Remain Open for Communication – Don’t always walk around with earphones in, texting, or talking on the phone, take some time to meet someone new. They may be sitting right next to you.
#3 – Remember to Share your Message – You never know whose life you may illuminate by sharing a story of your life with them. You never know who is waiting to help you reach new levels of your own life either.
Have any of you ever had an experience like this one?
How have you influenced and inspired others?
Leave your comments below. You may have the idea that someone has been searching for.
Thank You
I want to thank each and every one of you for stopping by Three Key Life.
Thank you for inspiring me to become greater and supporting this community.
You, your time, your energy, is greatly appreciated.
Peace
Happiness
Compassion
Respect