Reflections

Earlier this year I was at a conference in New Orleans.  This was my first time visiting New Orleans and needless to say, it is an unforgettable place.  I learned a lot at my conference, but another moment sticks out to me and I had to share.  This took place at Café Du Monde.  Now if you are unfamiliar with Café Du Monde, they serve world famous beignets, which are incredible.  I was hooked after my first bite.  The place was crowded the people from all over the country and the waiters and waitresses were happily serving everyone.  Our waiter was particularly friendly.  He had a very charismatic way about him.  You could tell just from how he said hello that he was someone that enjoyed talking and making others feel comfortable.  Through conversation I learned he was 25 and in culinary school.  So I asked him what he would like to do upon graduating and what his goal was for the future.  Simply stated he said- "I want to make enough money to provide for me, my future wife and future child.  And to be able to put food on the table, then I will feel accomplished and proud."  And we chatted a bit longer and he repeated this a few times.  I found this to be profound upon looking back at our conversation.  He could have said many things, and mention material objects and status level but he didn't.  His answer was authentic, and from the heart.  This had me stop and reflect on my own goals and objectives.  Normally I am a very grateful person and practice daily gratitude, but I feel that I need to get back to the basics in my own life.  His answer reflects what we really need to be successful:

-Family, loved ones, meaningful connections with others

-Food, shelter, a place to lay our head

-Living with authenticity

-Enough money to cover our basics

If we can get back to the basics in our life, follow our own path of authenticity, I believe that things would become clearer for many people.  Stress levels would decrease, happiness levels would increase.  I know this is much easier said than done.  But I do thank my waiter in New Orleans for helping me step back and reflect.