An Inspiring Brook
Ever feel something that you didn’t expect to feel? You find yourself acting in a way that makes you wonder just what is going on with you. You are just doing your thing – then a drop of inspiration washes over you like an unexpected rain shower might commence. It happened to me recently and it’s insightful.
Feeling Moved
Last month fellow Princetonian Brooke Shields spoke here in Chicago. She is on tour promoting her new book on women and aging – as well as her business Commence. Thanks to the Princeton Club of Chicago I am fortunate to attend dozens of events a year featuring incredibly accomplished people. So, in a sense it is no big deal as I am just going with the flow. Except the day of I found myself getting an unplanned haircut and dressing extra sharp. I was not actually going to meet Brooke. Yet, an inspiring feeling came over me. I had to look, feel, and be my best.
Years ago, a mutual friend offered to personally introduce me to her. I declined. I really like my life the way it is and being anywhere near a celebrity might disrupt that in some way I don’t even want to imagine. And yet, years later this inspiring feeling came over me.
Away With The Rain
Upon reflection, I got that some people just inspire you to be your best. I have experienced it at work before. Knowing I was going to meet with one particular manager always called forth my best. The way he listened for my greatness in my career and life, it was highly motivating. I loved working for him! At home, my wife inspires me to be my best every single day.
Here, a beautiful movie and Broadway star pushed herself to be her best both academically and in the arts. She has lived true to herself and fought for herself as her celebrity wave ebbed and flowed over the decades. Now she is adding her fourth book – though naturally Down Came the Rain would be my favorite – and leading her business.
Living True
Recall, we are all at least 60% water. Maybe every one of us is a tiny brook weaving through life? Gravity pulls us to and fro. To go where we want to, it takes living true and being surrounded by other bodies of water calling forth our greatness. Yes, just like Brooke, you have a say. And you can make the kind of difference she is making – if you choose to.
Incidently, her class at Princeton is renowned for having quite a few extremely successful alumni with many – like 5 – billionaires. That is, in one class! Coincidence? I don’t think so. That feeling I experienced can't be unique to me.
Be true to yourself. Stand for yourself. Surround yourself with people that inspire you. Find the beauty in yourself and others. Having now seen Brooke speak, I found beauty and inspiration inside and out.
The unexpected feeling now is maybe I should have taken my friend up on her offer. Alas.
Here's to you and your awesome future.
Until then, keep your feet on the board and keep riding your wave!
Robert J. Khoury
CEO Agile Rainmakers