Blog: January 2009

A personal reflection on January 20th, 2009

January 20th, in most cases just another day in January, was this year a day filled with hope and faith that our country and, indeed, our world are capable of change for the better. That we can wake up to the things that need to be done to ensure the survival of the human race and the planet.

I rarely let a day go by without including some work-related activities my schedule. But this Inauguration Day was one of those rare exceptions. I just wanted to spend it soaking up as many of the positive vibes emanating from our nation’s capital as I could, and to feel really, really good about our country for the first time in years.

For someone who wakes up every morning wondering whether I did enough the day before, it really felt good just to revel in a national – and, indeed, worldwide -- moment of euphoria. In a way it was all of our inauguration, and a chance to rewrite not just our history, but to renavigate our path and reassess own direction, realizing that with faith and hope we can all accomplish anything we want to, and not be confined by the boundaries we have been told we dare not cross.

I wrote my kids that message today, because I think everyone should stop and reflect on what an important day this was for anyone who has ever worked for meaningful reform. I just want to revel in it for a while, in how powerful and intoxicating it can be when people’s faith is finally rewarded and their hopes are finally realized.

An encounter with ‘the best and the brightest’ at the checkout counter of a
Mexican Wal-Mart

January 15

Never have I seen a better example of someone "doing something" in a positive and engaging manner than I did this week, when I had the privilege of meeting Raul.

I was down in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico on a ‘retail reconnaissance’ mission, focusing particularly on recycling, packaging and the types of products that were being featured in local stores. That’s how I happened to be traversing the aisles of a Wal-Mart Supercenter located in the center of this town, checking out the thousands of assorted products stocked there. While so engaged, I couldn't help but pick up a few snacks and libations for the hotel that evening as well. I finally arrived at the checkout counter and was inquiring whether I could use my Visa card when I heard the sound of a hand opening three plastic bags in rapid-fire succession. Looking to my right, I saw a slightly built young man of about 17 or 18 wearing a name tag that identified him as “Raul” along with a huge grin – the result of my having just recognized that he was the best bagger in the store (no, make that the best bagger in the entire Wal-Mart operation).

Raul continued to crack and pack the bags faster than you can imagine, beaming broadly during each transaction, and, not unlike the bartenders in “Coyote Ugly,” appearing to be thoroughly enjoying himself. So infectious was his enthusiasm for his job, in fact, and his ability to do it faster and more efficiently than anyone else, that he seemed to create an aura of jubilation right there at the checkout counter. Then I looked down in front of Raul and saw a pile of pesos. I reached into my pocket and added two 10-peso coins, eliciting a smile that seemed to radiate both appreciation and pride.

And I must say that of all the people I met on this most recent trip south of the border, Raul was probably the one who left me with the most lasting and profound impression. He exemplifies how, no matter where you find yourself, either in terms of geography or status, or what circumstances might require you to do, you can strive to be the best there is and keep on smiling while you’re doing it – and in that way, have a positive effect on everyone you encounter. I am certain that Raul has served as a source of inspiration to the countless people who have witnessed the exuberance and expertise he exhibits while going about an otherwise menial job in Carmen Del Playa. He certainly was to me, and in my taking this opportunity to tell you about him, I hope he may be to you as well.

 

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