SMART Talk: Conversations That Matter
Today, I lost my wallet while having brunch with a friend. During our meal, I suddenly realized that I didn't have my wallet with me. I thought it might be in the car.
I have two wallets that I switch between. When I'm carrying a big purse, I use one wallet, and when I'm not, I use the other one just for the weekends. The weekend wallet contains my driver's license, a credit card or two, and cash, while the purse wallet holds all the other identifiable information.
Upon reaching the car, I found that the passenger window was left slightly down, but I still didn't panic, assuming that no one could reach inside. I thought that the wallet must be at home. However, after searching high and low at home, I couldn't find it. I then proceeded to call LifeLock, the credit card company, and the bank associated with one of the cards. There had been only one attempt to access the credit card (so someone did steal my wallet), but because I've been hacked before I get an alert on my phone even when I use my card. I declined the attempted purchase.
Despite this ordeal, I realized that I've come a long way on my journey. I've learned to see everyday challenges, obstacles, and minor irritations as little stones that slow us down on our path. This perspective of seeing these hurdles as opportunities to overcome has helped me navigate difficult situations.
I recalled a lesson from my father who believed that the universe (or God) is friendly and has our best interests at heart. Reflecting on this, I found resonance with the theory that Albert Einstein also held. He questioned whether the universe is a friendly place and suggested that it's a fundamental question for each individual to answer.
Although the world is filled with wars, poverty, hate, and racism, I don't think my dad or Einstein meant for us to focus on justifying these issues. Instead, they wanted us to contemplate our responses to these issues. Embracing the idea of a friendly universe can empower us to act with peace and engage meaningfully in our roles as leaders. It can enhance our ability to navigate challenges and become better individuals.
In both our professional and personal lives, it's often the little stones and obstacles that pose the greatest challenges, not the big issues. As I wrapped up the call to report my stolen driver's license today, I chose to believe that the universe is friendly. I see these small stones as opportunities for personal growth as a leader, and how to teach others to handle challenges, both big and small.
These are the conversations that truly matter.
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