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Each person we interact with has a story, struggles, triumph, and dreams that we'd get to hear about if only we chose to get to know them.
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Self Improvement Daily — They're Not Just People In Seats. Machine-transcribed; use the interactive transcript above to jump the player to any line.
Hey, self-improver. A better world starts with a better you and yes you can. So let's take another step toward your best self today. When you're on an airplane, you're surrounded by a bunch of strangers. People you know nothing about, but happen to be sharing space with. And if you're not very social on planes, then it's likely they'll stay that way and go on with their life. But recently, when I was on a plane and stood up to stretch my legs, I scanned ahead of me about eight rows and noticed the top of someone's head, but this time it was someone I knew. Someone I just spent four days with supporting communities in Nicaragua. Because of our time together, she's no longer a stranger. I know how her husband proposed to her. I know what she's passionate about. I know what her dreams are, what she's building, what she values, and a little bit about what makes her the way she is.
She's not just another random person on an airplane. She's a dear friend. Seeing her amid the sea of other people, I chose to do something that you've probably thought of or done before, but I want you to deeply consider it again. I chose to see everyone else on the plane not just as another person completely out of context, but as someone with a story just like her. Every seat is filled with someone who's a parent or friend. They each have a hometown, heartbreak, and moments of triumph. Every person has their own expertise, insecurity, and vision for their future. We go about life and we forget that every person we encounter is one of the most important people in the world to someone else. What if we chose to see them like that ourselves? There is a faith-based term called Imago Day, which roughly translates to seeing the image of God in others. And whether you're religious or not, the principle is simple. Slow down to see
others at a deeper level for who they are. If we were to do that, we'd be friendlier, kinder, and more helpful. We'd be more tolerant, patient, and curious. We'd see how much humanity we share with them and not just that we happen to be in the same place at the same time. Anyway, that was the perspective I acquired when I saw my friend on the plane. Before we met, she was just a stranger. And now she's someone I care deeply for. And I believe each person is capable of the same, should we take the time to get to know? I'm Brian Ford, and you grew today. Let's do it again tomorrow on Self-Improvenent Daily.
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