You’re so mean

or 10 Rules to Live & Work By

It was more than 20 years ago and yet the memory resurfaces and I get a bitter taste in my mouth.

I would have thought that 20 years is enough time to forget such a silly  incident, something that didn’t matter at all.

But I’ve never forgotten.

I had been on a trip. My boyfriend and I walked towards the gate, in plenty of time to go through the security check and catch our flight.

Even then, security was a serious issue on this airline so we stood at the end of the line, noticing with resignation how slow it was moving.

A young couple joined the line behind us. We had been traveling light but they had tons of luggage. They had a lot more than they were going to be allowed put on this flight.

They seemed quite frazzled. They’d been running, they were weighed down. They smiled at us and said hi. I heard them chatting about the train and the bus and how after all they’d made it on time.

Then he turned to me and said, ‘you’re not carrying much, will you check one of our bags in for us?’

I looked at my boyfriend and he gave me that ‘you must be crazy’ look – don’t even consider it. I said, no, we can’t do that.

He said great, thanks for nothing. And turned he back to me. I felt terrible.

Later I smiled at him and he said – don’t try to be nice now, it doesn’t work.

I wished the ground would open up and swallow me. I felt so bad. And now, 20 years later, I still taste it when I think about it. Still feel uncomfortable about how incredibly nasty he had been.

I’m sure he doesn’t remember it at all.

You might be wondering, why am I telling you this? how on earth is this relevant to anything…but what I’ve realized from this moment is some important guidelines that I’ve carried through my life and in my business.

A kind of rule-book for me. A way to live and work that makes sense and makes up for the horrible experience that I carried all those years. That’s what I want to share with you, so here goes.

10 Rules to Live & Work BY

  1. Never be mean
  2. Say ‘no’ when you want to, you don’t owe anyone anything.
  3. Be kind, but stand in your truth
  4. Let go of negativity – it serves nothing in your life or business
  5. In life there are givers and takers (that’s what my Dad always said!) – notice who you are and you they are – stay true to you.
  6. Be generous but know your limits
  7. Say what you mean and do what you say
  8. You don’t have to be friendly with everyone – some people don’t deserve your time or attention
  9. Focus on your journey – travel light

and most important –

10.  Don’t take on other people’s luggage – it’s not yours to carry

What do you think?
What resonates for you?
Share your story here.

Share on...

2 comments on “You’re so mean

  1. Interesting, I have started collecting my principles:

    When in tough times: take it higher [to God] don’t take it in [to your flesh]
    Emotions last a moment, consequences much longer
    Success is vital and necessary for moving forward
    You are always at cause – so live that way and with that attitude

Comments are closed.