If you read regularly, you’ll remember that I shared an update on visiting Miami here. I mentioned that I immediately noticed how the people in this city can be so rude. Since I’ve moved to North Carolina 7 months ago, it’s taught me that even though I consider myself someone who sees the best in people, I’m still weary of their intentions.

When we first moved to Asheville, strangers approached us and I always questioned their motives. What’s this guy’s angle? I would think. Despite my initial reaction to be defensive, I was always pleasantly surprised to find none of the people who approached me had a motive other than to connect. That’s all. It was worth their time to chat with me even if only for a few moments.

Fast forward to this past week and visiting Miami. What a shock! I have been slowly working on putting down my armor and approaching all strangers with an open heart and the expectation of connection. My first few rude encounters were like a slap in the face! I was quick to judge and throw out the blanket statement: Miami people are SO mean. There is absolutely no community here.

Well…. then, I had wine with one of my twin soul friends, who told me a story upon hearing about my shock to Miami’s rudeness. Her parents grew up in the midwest without any armor or prejudgement about people’s intentions. When they come to Miami, they make friends every time. They seem to find every single one of Miami’s nicest people.

 

Queue the *insight* life is a reflection of you. We don’t experience the world as it is. We experience it as we are.

 

Clearly I was the one being the context for defensiveness. Ever since that conversation with my friend, something inside me shifted. What do you know? I, too, happened to meet all of the nicest residents in Miami, Florida… a string of complete strangers approached me with the utmost sincerity and compassion. I became a magnet. And my mind was blown.

 

BE THE THING YOU WANT! Your life is a reflection of you. The end.