At its core, travel is driven by a desire to explore and appreciate the diversity of our world. It is about seeking out new experiences that challenge our preconceived notions and broaden our horizons. When we embark on a journey, we are not just visiting new places but also delving into the heart of different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Yet in this true story of a travel across the Atlantic, the most meaningful insights came from a seemingly ordinary encounter with a bag.
Picture yourself in a simple shoe store in the Mediterranean, surrounded by stacks of curated sandals. As you look around the store, equipped with a simple patchwork bag adorned with a flower, you turn to the store clerk to ask where you could be directed to look for some basic sandals. The store clerk glances at your modest bag and your practical shoes and replies, “With that bag, and those shoes you are wearing, you do not have enough money to buy even one pair of shoes from my store.”
While a bit stunned in this moment, the most immediate resolution was to thank the store clerk for their feedback and exit the shop. While laughing at the comment and thinking of what could have been a very witty response, the resolve was to pause in that moment with insight. People make decisions, albeit maybe not as boldly as this store clerk, daily about who they like, dislike, marry, hire, fire, promote, choose to work with as a teammate, etcetera all based on the level of insight and understanding they choose to gather, or not, about an individual.
When we make decisions based on superficial insights, we miss the opportunity to appreciate the richness of an individual’s stories and the depth of their personal experiences. To truly understand and appreciate someone, it’s crucial to take the time to get to know them beyond first impressions. Engaging in meaningful conversations to understand their values allow us to connect on a deeper level which fosters empathy, respect, and the building of connections that go beyond the surface.
As you encounter someone, whether during your travels, in your organization, or in just everyday life, take a moment to be curious and inquisitive. It is these moments that bring people together rather than creating a wider gap among us. Listen actively and seek to understand what makes them unique. In doing so, you’ll find that the value of a person is found within and alongside their bag where they carry practical necessities for their journey.
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