On my cab ride to meet my friend in San Francisco the other day, I spent 30 minutes hearing the life story of the cab driver. It started with a simple question I posed (the one I dread when directed at me 😆):
“Where are you from?”
“I moved here from Hamburg,” he said. “Do you know Hamburg?”
“The one in Germany?” I asked. “Yes, I have, but I have never been there.”
The gentleman went on to cheerfully tell me about his hometown, which actually isn’t his motherland. That would be Nigeria, the country and culture of his ancestors.
“But I was in Sacramento before San Francisco. I was in an abusive marriage - my wife almost killed me - literally! That was four years ago… I am trying to get a divorce. I know it’s hard to believe since it’s usually the other way around…,” he continued sharing.
That was the beginning of his 30 minute long novella, occasionally punctuated by questions from me to show that I was following along even if I was starting to squirm a little in the back seat. Where is this story going, I wondered.
I learned about the school he went to in Switzerland; the house he’s building in Nigeria; the recent situation when a homeless man smashed his taxi, but did not show up in court and got away with it.
“You know, there’s prejudice within the black community. Because I am not from here and have an accent, the [African American] police sided with the other guy!” he added with strong emotions still lingering from that ordeal.
I pulled back and remarked on the rainy weather as to bring back some calm in the car. No need to stir his pot, I thought.
When we finally pulled up to my destination, I thanked him before letting myself out.
He replied it with:
“Hey, thank YOU!! You took away my sorrow during this ride! Have a good day!”
I acknowledged his words as I dragged my suitcase to the Airbnb front door. My head was buzzing from the cross-country flight, and the elaborate stories I was not prepared to process. But knowing that it felt good to have helped someone experience less sorrow for a little while just by being present and listening. It was a reminder that simplicity can make an impact on another human. In return, I also learned so much unexpected, but valuable lessons.
The same reminder manifested itself in the movie theatre yesterday.
My friend and I saw Perfect Days, a movie that felt more like a documentary of a simple man’s mundane daily life.
And yet, it was far more than that!
The story is about a Tokyo toilet janitor who enjoys presence and simplicity. He lives his life with those values and because of that, he impacts all those around him in immeasurable ways.
He shows up. He listens. He repeats.
Have you seen the movie? I loved it! I loved its simplicity and the questions it posed for me.
What if we can have more impact and make a difference by being present and listening?
What if that is what we can do for others AND for ourselves to live a healthier, more fulfilling, satisfying and meaningful life?
I sure want more of that!
Would you like to join me?
Sending love and gratitude from the City by the Bay,
xoxo
Kit
P.S. Are you wanting to create more health and happiness in your life?
Are you a midlife woman who can benefit from more presence and simplicity?
Do you want to calm your busy mind or feel more comfortable in your body?
If so, I am happy to listen and share simple tools that will get you there.
Book a free consult session here.
P.P.S. Second Spring Podcast is on a pause this month.
If you have not listened to some or all of the episodes of Season 1 (featuring Amazing Bexley Women), please have a listen!
As always, I appreciate your support in sharing the podcast and leaving reviews where you can. It helps spread the stories that could make a huge impact in ways we can’t even imagine.
Think of just ONE person, and share this post with them today! THANK YOU!