I've spent this past week in Denver, Colorado going to my profesional organization's annual convention (Council for Exceptional Children). Along with 5,000+ other participants I spent the week being inspired by wisdom of leaders in my field. And while I still have much to digest from this opportunity, my greatest "learnings" don't come from the convention, but from "life". These lessons revolve around being contagious. Don't worry, I'm not coming back to Iowa ready to spread yet another gross stomache virus :-) But contagious attitudes, and contagious "ways of being".
First, know that I love the Denver airport. Shopping, resteraunts, and other stuff make it rival most malls from my beloved home state. The little tram that takes you to the parts of the airport plays nice music when stopping and going (rather than a blaring warning) and the voice-over announcements make you feel at-ease. These, were just really the basics of why I loved it :-)
The best part was witnessing how contagious a positive attitude and demeanor can effect an entire crowd. There was a huge line to the "Super Shuttle" check-in desk. Apparently this line was not forming in the direction that was optimal to airport functioning because the security gaurd made it his task to move the entire line in the opposite direction. I watched how he, very effectively moved the crowd. He started at the back of the line. He told them that he was needing to move the line and he pointed to the area where the new line would be forming. But then he said in a rather happy yet directive manner, "Just wait! Don't go yet, I need to tell those folks what we'll be doing (pointing to the front of the line) and then you can follow them." He was polite. He was clear. I then watched as he pleasently told the front of the line what to do and sure enough they began to merge into the other direction and slowly but surely the back of the line followed. He then made a point to go to various parts of the line and say, "Thank you! You're wonderful! But you already know that!" and other similar and encouraging phrases. I looked around me to find the majority of people watching him, smiling, and even chuckling.
I realize that this is very simple. Moving a line from one spot to the next. But it could have gone very differently. The man could have been upset that the line was not orignially conforming to where he thought it should be. He could have been rude, herding the line abruptly to where it needed to be. He didn't have to say thank you, and he certainly didn't need to tell us we were wonderful. What would have the crowd look like then? At the very least, apathetic. But probably you'd see faces of frustration (we just got off long flights afterall), annoyance, and inconvienience. But just the opposite occured. Just by being positive he not only moved a line, but he put smiles on faces and a chuckle or two in hearts. Being positive is certainly contagious, even in places you don't expect it.
I also can't speak of Denver without mentioning my family members who live here and graciously host their out-of-state family. On Wednesday I got to eat dinner with my Aunt Shirley and cousin, Jared, and on Thursday, I got to hang out again with my cousin Jared. As I write this blog I expect to get a text from my Aunt Shirley about another opportunity for us to get together again today. And this is not uncommon to other visits to Denver. I am amazed how they self-lessly arrange their time and schedules to spend time with me and my other family members. They make family relationships a priority, and this has been so for as long as I can remember. That value is also contagious. It makes me want to be a better family member. Who they are is also very contagious.
Aunt Shirley is one of the most generous and kind-hearted people that I know. She's very in tune to the needs of those around her and she goes out of her way to help people feel comfortable and valued. Though I haven't had a chance to see him in person on this trip, I can't think of Denver without thinking of my Uncle Tom. Probably unbeknownst to him, I've observed him quite often the past few years and have been amazed by his kind heart as well, his strong sense of integrity, and gentle leadership. Aunt Shirley and Uncle Tom are contagious. They make me want to be a better me.
My cousins are also amazing. I got to spend a few hours with my cousin Jared this week. Like his parents and his sister, Jared is also very generous and self-less. But he's also HILARIOUS. Now, I think I'm pretty funny. But he really makes me look lame in comparison. And he can also talk to just about anybody. I'd be shocked actually if I ever saw him in a situation where he felt awkward talking to someone. Or atleast displayed any signs of awkwardness. His humor and spirit are contagious. Jenny, who I didn't get to see because she is in Russia, has many special gifts....gifts of empathy and caring....gifts of listening and loving.
I bring all of these things up today....the airport experiences..the experiences with my family...because I really am intrigued with the notion that the way we are...our demeanor, how we treat others...is really, very contagious. We have the power, as human beings, to make others upset, frustrated, or angry...or we have the power to make others happy, comfortable...even inspired. Which brings me to an uncomfortable self-reflection. How am I being contagious? I'd like to say all positive ways, but I know that is not true. But that is something to look forward to....ever-growing, ever-changing.
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