My OperaSubway
Friday, December 16, 2011 10:00:47 AM
I have seen him at Subway. I am guessing he was about 32. His hair was disheveled and he had a mustard stain on his t-shirt. The woman he was with seemed like his grandma because of the walker parked nearby. She was assisting him in eating his submarine sandwich and wiping the drool off his chin. He smiled, he rocked, and he squealed with joy. His hands were covered with red goo. I think it came from the tomato that squirted out of his sandwich. Every little bite was taken with absolute pleasure and delight. I haven't seen anyone enjoy eating anything like this man.
It made me reflect on how most of us barely even taste the food we eat. About how we deal with life rarely noticing the flavours in our meals, the color in our neighborhoods, and the amazing wealth of experience in the people we connect with. We spend lots of time going through life and barely appreciate the world we live in. We miss so much because we are simply not focusing on the wonder of all of the creations around us and we overlook so many things that we ought to be grateful for.
Watching this man eat his sub made me wonder about his quality of life. Clearly he wasn't able to live like the rest of us. He was unable to communicate clearly, he could not walk without help, and though I cannot be sure, it seemed that having any sort of job was beyond his capability. He was probably not married or engaged in any sort of intimate relationship. His life was totally different. One could say he was short changed and his life lacked some of the common privileges the rest of us are given. Some people might feel sorry for him and some might feel terrified to live in such a condition. But he was happy. What a rich life indeed.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Start your own gratitude journal at www.frameofmindcoaching.com.
It made me reflect on how most of us barely even taste the food we eat. About how we deal with life rarely noticing the flavours in our meals, the color in our neighborhoods, and the amazing wealth of experience in the people we connect with. We spend lots of time going through life and barely appreciate the world we live in. We miss so much because we are simply not focusing on the wonder of all of the creations around us and we overlook so many things that we ought to be grateful for.
Watching this man eat his sub made me wonder about his quality of life. Clearly he wasn't able to live like the rest of us. He was unable to communicate clearly, he could not walk without help, and though I cannot be sure, it seemed that having any sort of job was beyond his capability. He was probably not married or engaged in any sort of intimate relationship. His life was totally different. One could say he was short changed and his life lacked some of the common privileges the rest of us are given. Some people might feel sorry for him and some might feel terrified to live in such a condition. But he was happy. What a rich life indeed.
Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Start your own gratitude journal at www.frameofmindcoaching.com.
