Look Up!

Some of us are familiar with the YouTube video ‘look up’, if you are not, check it out here; Look up. This short five-minute video had me consciously thinking about all the moments that pass us by without notice.

I saw this video about a year ago, and since then I have been trying hard to consciously put the phone down and interact with those around me. I am glad I did that day in Key West.

I walked out of the Key West airport in Florida on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Dressed in all black (surprise, surprise 😜) with my hat pulled all the way down to cover my eyes and my dark sunglasses on. I was tired from my 7-hour travel and was ready to get to my hotel with the hopes of catching a bit of vitamin D (and a tan!). Well, my Uber driver had other plans! He pulls up with a massive smile on his face and instantly my ‘tired mood’ had lifted. I decided to put my phone away and have a conversation; I am so glad I did.

We got to talking about what I did for a living (I explained that I was a speaker) and he asked: “like motivational speaking?” I answered “something like that” then he quickly followed by telling me that he also did some motivational speaking for Narcotics Anonymous (NA). He went on to say that he finds such joy in giving back and using the gift of recovery to help those who struggle with addiction like he once did. I was blown away by his bravery, honesty, and venerability. This conversation hit a chord having grown up with addiction all around me.

Not many people know my life’s tale (I will share it one day), but it is my life’s mission to give back to families that suffer from addiction. I felt that Thursday afternoon was a sign to keep moving forward with my plans to start a not for profit foundation to help families of Addicts, as my Uber driver says (and I believe); addiction is a family disease.

I am glad I put my phone down that day and looked up. I met an extraordinary person and felt the world aligned so I would know that the path I am on is the right one.

Look up every once in a while; there are defining moments to take in all around us.