Oh man what do I even say? Where do I even begin? I’m sitting in a coffee shop waiting to go to the airport to leave Central America once again. As I look out at the skyline of Panama City it doesn’t feel like a coincidence that I would end Central America in the place where it all began on my original race, almost 5 years ago.
I can’t believe it’s already been 3 months back on the race. I can’t help but be flooded with memories of my last 3 years though.
Indiana became home for me when I returned from my original race and a big role in that was my job at Starbucks. It was there where I began to come alive in one of my passions in life. Celebrating and creating a safe place for people. Starbucks gave me something I hope to take with me the rest of my life.
The power in 30 seconds.
30 seconds is all it takes to make someone’s day. To change it from an ordinary day into an extraordinary day. It’s what I’ve chosen to bring back on the race with me. It’s in the little moments that we can get to know each other and create something meaningful and special. Whether it is over a cup of coffee, a meal, or a simple interaction in a grocery store line, we have the power to make a difference in a mere 30 seconds. Each day at Starbucks I would get to hear about Michelle’s family, pour Bob’s coffee before he goes to play golf, get sass from Tom, learn about Monique’s day, see Costa’s big smile, etc. It’s those small moments that I still carry with me today. It is a living breathing example of the power of community. The power in knowing each other by name and listening to each other and talk about their day.
At the end of the day, the relationships we have are what truly matter.
So to you, people of 116th and Springmill, thank you.
Thank you for giving me your time and for sharing your lives with me. I’ll never be able to put into words the impact you’ve had on my life, but know that every time I talk about you I bubble over with joy at the thought of each of you. You have shown me that life is worth slowing down a little to get to know the people standing in front of you.
