Last week, on holiday in the UK we had an urgent unplanned need for an Uber to get us to the U.S. Embassy. Bill lost his passport in flight from Scotland to London. Feeling that sick pit of your stomach panic and sweaty freak-out tried to consume us both. During the drive from Heathrow our Uber driver imparted his story and wisdom while providing unknown solace for us.
Wisdom nugget #1– even in times of real panic and trouble – there is likely someone who has it worse than you. Maybe even much worse.
Breathe and Stop to remember what you do have in life.
Ahmed (name changed to protect his privacy) picked us up and immediately engaged us in light conversation. Feeling curious, we asked about his life and Uber driving experience. His story of fleeing his country under war and strife as a teenager alone and the terror he lived through was sobering. The nonchalant manner of his “troubles” and matter of fact tone gently put Bill and I at ease.
Our current passport problem suddenly felt trivial and so first world. Our “troubles” were nothing compared to literally fleeing for life, constantly hungry, with no shelter and always afraid. We could stay another day or two and never have to be without food or shelter.
As we drove through the crowded London streets with Ahmed navigating with ease and grace we learned of his enterprising and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked hard to become a UK citizen, learn English quickly that he has little accent, and worked at many jobs. I remarked that he was so wise for someone who appeared so young. He let us know he’s older and wiser at the age of 27!
He laughed and said, “Oh, my wisdom is from so many mistakes and failures. It’s all about what you learn from it.“
Wisdom Nugget #2 – Wisdom comes from many failures and mistakes.
What can you learn from them?
He shared that he imparts his wisdom to the younger teenagers that hire him. He tries to share what he’s learned and disseminate the importance looking for the opportunity in every situation while taking advantage of current conditions. Things like opportunities for education, learning, whatever resources you’re your way from friends or family. Coming from literally nothing and seeing how kids he picks up seem to waste their time, money and most importantly opportunities was appalling to him.
Wisdom Nugget #3 – Look for the opportunity in every situation.
If you have the opportunity to learn or grow take it.
Ahmed’s next steps in life have plan with specific goals and requirements. First put away a solid amount of money, purchase some property and keep working his two jobs before getting married. He wisely let us know that a wife wouldn’t like him working 12-15 hours a day seven days a week and all of the odd hours. He intends to be settled and fully ready to support a wife and family before finding a life partner. His focus now is saving money and working hard to make that happen.
Wisdom Nugget #4– Have a plan and priorities.
Know what’s most important for your current plan.
Know what your next step is.
He was adamant that his money should be working for him and that he shouldn’t have to work to make money if he did it right later in life. He was quite knowledgeable about the world market and current affairs. He appeared very well read and informed for someone so young and busy.
Wisdom Nugget #5 – Keep aware of current world affairs. Not just a US or UK centric view.
Be wise and well read. Learn all you can.
Wisdom Nugget #6 – Have your money for you. Work hard to earn your money.
Invest wisely.
We asked him what he thought the most important thing for an entrepreneur and owner of 2 businesses was. He promptly replied, it was to keep your focus, stay steady and focused.
Wisdom Nugget #7 – Keep focused and stay steady and focused.
As we arrived on the street for the U.S. Embassy, I received a call from our previous flight informing me that they had found Bill’s passport! Alleluia, Whoo hoo, and Thank you God/Divine/Universe!!! Ahmed celebrated with us. He turned around and drove us back to Heathrow to collect Bill’s passport.
On the way back, we remarked about the many speed cameras on the motorway and roads. Ahmed shared some further insights about how Uber drivers use apps and share knowledge to make the most of each trip. Doing so they choose the quickest and fastest route while taking informed risks on speed and direction.
Wisdom Nugget #8 – Take informed risks.
Know the risk, reward and penalty for choosing whichever route you take in life.
What started out as a panic-stricken horrendous trip of urgency, ended in a calm and friendly camaraderie of travelers sharing stories and wisdom. Ahmed's personal story with his confident, calm engaging demeanor turned the trip into an enjoyable informative ride. He showed deep compassion for his riders while earnestly sharing his love for his family that transformed us into a calm and relaxed peace of mind.
I know that God was watching out for us and put us together with Ahmed. You just never know where you’ll meet people who inspire you. In our greatest times of need there are kind and wonderful people out there. You just have to look for the opportunity and listen.
Thank you, Ahmed and peace, and blessing to you and your family. You changed our trip from hell into a trip of inspiration and wisdom. So much so, that I’m called to share with the world.
Which wisdom nugget resonated with you? Please comment and share.
I partner with those who’ve been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency, move forward to live a bold life. Click here to learn how I help and support others.
Peace, love and blessings,
Teresa –grateful and finding wisdom world wide
Teresa Q. Bitner - PMP, M. Ed., ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down my life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
PS. I need your help - I need Coaching Clients
I’m working on my ICF Recertification. I need additional coaching clients. If you or anyone you know has ever thought of getting some support. I'm offering 30% discount on coaching as well.
Now is a great time to explore coaching. Let me help you take the next step forward in your life and you can help me as I re-certify with ICF.
Click here to learn more or reach out
Let’s make 2019 the best ever together! Questions - please ask.
Wisdom nugget #1– even in times of real panic and trouble – there is likely someone who has it worse than you. Maybe even much worse.
Breathe and Stop to remember what you do have in life.
Ahmed (name changed to protect his privacy) picked us up and immediately engaged us in light conversation. Feeling curious, we asked about his life and Uber driving experience. His story of fleeing his country under war and strife as a teenager alone and the terror he lived through was sobering. The nonchalant manner of his “troubles” and matter of fact tone gently put Bill and I at ease.
Our current passport problem suddenly felt trivial and so first world. Our “troubles” were nothing compared to literally fleeing for life, constantly hungry, with no shelter and always afraid. We could stay another day or two and never have to be without food or shelter.
As we drove through the crowded London streets with Ahmed navigating with ease and grace we learned of his enterprising and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked hard to become a UK citizen, learn English quickly that he has little accent, and worked at many jobs. I remarked that he was so wise for someone who appeared so young. He let us know he’s older and wiser at the age of 27!
He laughed and said, “Oh, my wisdom is from so many mistakes and failures. It’s all about what you learn from it.“
Wisdom Nugget #2 – Wisdom comes from many failures and mistakes.
What can you learn from them?
He shared that he imparts his wisdom to the younger teenagers that hire him. He tries to share what he’s learned and disseminate the importance looking for the opportunity in every situation while taking advantage of current conditions. Things like opportunities for education, learning, whatever resources you’re your way from friends or family. Coming from literally nothing and seeing how kids he picks up seem to waste their time, money and most importantly opportunities was appalling to him.
Wisdom Nugget #3 – Look for the opportunity in every situation.
If you have the opportunity to learn or grow take it.
Ahmed’s next steps in life have plan with specific goals and requirements. First put away a solid amount of money, purchase some property and keep working his two jobs before getting married. He wisely let us know that a wife wouldn’t like him working 12-15 hours a day seven days a week and all of the odd hours. He intends to be settled and fully ready to support a wife and family before finding a life partner. His focus now is saving money and working hard to make that happen.
Wisdom Nugget #4– Have a plan and priorities.
Know what’s most important for your current plan.
Know what your next step is.
He was adamant that his money should be working for him and that he shouldn’t have to work to make money if he did it right later in life. He was quite knowledgeable about the world market and current affairs. He appeared very well read and informed for someone so young and busy.
Wisdom Nugget #5 – Keep aware of current world affairs. Not just a US or UK centric view.
Be wise and well read. Learn all you can.
Wisdom Nugget #6 – Have your money for you. Work hard to earn your money.
Invest wisely.
We asked him what he thought the most important thing for an entrepreneur and owner of 2 businesses was. He promptly replied, it was to keep your focus, stay steady and focused.
Wisdom Nugget #7 – Keep focused and stay steady and focused.
As we arrived on the street for the U.S. Embassy, I received a call from our previous flight informing me that they had found Bill’s passport! Alleluia, Whoo hoo, and Thank you God/Divine/Universe!!! Ahmed celebrated with us. He turned around and drove us back to Heathrow to collect Bill’s passport.
On the way back, we remarked about the many speed cameras on the motorway and roads. Ahmed shared some further insights about how Uber drivers use apps and share knowledge to make the most of each trip. Doing so they choose the quickest and fastest route while taking informed risks on speed and direction.
Wisdom Nugget #8 – Take informed risks.
Know the risk, reward and penalty for choosing whichever route you take in life.
What started out as a panic-stricken horrendous trip of urgency, ended in a calm and friendly camaraderie of travelers sharing stories and wisdom. Ahmed's personal story with his confident, calm engaging demeanor turned the trip into an enjoyable informative ride. He showed deep compassion for his riders while earnestly sharing his love for his family that transformed us into a calm and relaxed peace of mind.
I know that God was watching out for us and put us together with Ahmed. You just never know where you’ll meet people who inspire you. In our greatest times of need there are kind and wonderful people out there. You just have to look for the opportunity and listen.
Thank you, Ahmed and peace, and blessing to you and your family. You changed our trip from hell into a trip of inspiration and wisdom. So much so, that I’m called to share with the world.
Which wisdom nugget resonated with you? Please comment and share.
I partner with those who’ve been knocked down by life and want to build resiliency, move forward to live a bold life. Click here to learn how I help and support others.
Peace, love and blessings,
Teresa –grateful and finding wisdom world wide
Teresa Q. Bitner - PMP, M. Ed., ACC - Resiliency, Change and Loss Coach
Partnering with those who have been knocked down my life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
[email protected]
www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again
PS. I need your help - I need Coaching Clients
I’m working on my ICF Recertification. I need additional coaching clients. If you or anyone you know has ever thought of getting some support. I'm offering 30% discount on coaching as well.
Now is a great time to explore coaching. Let me help you take the next step forward in your life and you can help me as I re-certify with ICF.
Click here to learn more or reach out
Let’s make 2019 the best ever together! Questions - please ask.
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