Footprints

When I was in high school, I was obsessed with the poem, "Footprints."  I still love the idea of the poem, but its meaning was deeper than the story of the poem.  Something about the poem and the title constantly reminded me of the footprints people were leaving on my life.  At that point in my life I had moved quite a bit, and something inside me told me I'd be moving more.

That has held true.

Somehow Facebook helps and, yet, I don't know that it does.  Through Facebook I am able to "stalk" those who left deep and permanent footprints on my life.  These are people that have influenced my personality to the point that I would be a completely different person if it weren't for them.  Yet, Facebook just reminds me of the distance...physical, emotional, time and space from who I carry with me on my heart.  To call someone up today to thank them would probably really freak them out.  To call them up and mention you saw they're having a bad day and you'd like to be there for them in a way they were for you ten plus years ago...that'd probably freak them out.  I also get the impulse to congratulate them; to tell them how happy it makes me that they found happiness in something big or small....that could probably freak them out too.

So, if you're reading this and you have known me at some point in time, please know this....thank you.  I am who I am because of who you were to me.  I still hold you dear.  And, if you're ever in the area, please look me up.  I would love to catch up over coffee, pizza, beer or wine. :)

Your footprints on me remain.

What I Learned at Chick-fil-A

I recently left a job at Chick-fil-A.  It was not the best work experience I have had, but I learned so much.  I spent the majority of my tenure at CFA as the night manager leading mostly teenagers.  Here's what they taught me...

1. Teenagers are much like dogs and snakes.  Like dogs they can be loyal to a fault.  Like snakes they will attack when they feel threatened.  Like both they can smell fear a mile away.
2. Teenagers are smart, hardworking and willing to do almost anything for a product, a person or idea they believe in.  With that in mind, they will not respond to a product, person or idea that is inauthentic.
3. Give a teenager respect first, and you will receive it back tenfold.  Do not demand respect from them or require it before you will respect them.
4. Teenagers will not just mimic but form themselves around who you are as a role model.  Be careful not just with your personal decisions but your words, actions and decisions around them all of the time.
5. Teenagers are between adult and child.  Give them responsibilities of an adult and then give them the attention of a child.  It will nurture their self-confidence and allow them to learn and grow with the security of your supervision.
6. Keep their best interests at heart as they may not.
7. Never assume you know them.  Never assume you know yourself around them.  Like all people, you're both changing while in relation with each other.  

I know they have changed me.  Thank you to each and every one of you.