Gratitude is (y)our real superpower!

If you've read my previous article, no metaphor this time around. I'd like to share with you a way more personal story, one that is all about my most powerful and significant moment of 2019. And coincidentally or not, it all happened when I was traveling by myself, immersed deeply into my surroundings and alone with my own thoughts and feelings. So yes, there's great analogy to our lock-down situation right now. And I hope I can transfer some of the magic of that moment on to you!  

Paris en automne

This all happened back in November 2019, you know, that time when Covid-19 wasn't even a reality... I was in Paris, alone, for a weekend. The main reason being that I was participating in a relay marathon with some colleagues. The day before the race though, I decided to take a strolling around the Montmartre area. Admiring all the beautiful autumn colors, absorbing all the city noises and observing both tourists and locals just minding their own business.  

When I got to the top of Montmartre, at the steps of the Basilique du Sacré C?ur, the place was packed with people. Some hustlers were selling stuff, tourists were taking pictures, others were queuing to get into the church. Then I noticed a guy playing his guitar on the steps of the basilica. And instead of just passing by, like many others, I decided to take a seat on the steps just a little bit behind him. Not only was it the best spot to enjoy the music, it was also the best spot to take in the scenery, overlooking all of Paris.  

 That one moment

After sitting there for a while, deeply enjoying his performance, I whipped out my phone to immortalize this beautiful moment. The guy was playing Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley and I was gently singing along. He must have heard me, because while I was filming (and singing along), he turned around, came over to me and we sang together. It was magical, it was so pure and passionate, a raw connection through smiles and sounds.  

This moment definitely made my day, no doubt. And so I decided to pay it back, out of genuine gratitude. I went back to him after he was done with the song and bought the CD he was selling. To be honest, I don’t even have a CD player at home, neither do I have one in my car. When will I then play his music again? I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter really... This person is creating art, putting smiles on people’s faces and transmitting good vibes with what he’s doing. That is what matters! And I was truly grateful for that. I shook his hand, looking him in the eyes and thanked him for the joy he brings in this world. His world lit up. So did mine.  

GRATITUDE is (y)our real SUPERPOWER

So, if you made it this far reading, you probably do care, and that’s amazing! Let’s make a deal, you and I, that we encourage, support and show appreciation and gratitude to all those people around us that make us happy, give us that special feeling and create something valuable. It doesn’t matter whether they do this professionally or privately, whether their talent is big or small. What matters is our support and gratitude, regardless if they are friends, family or complete strangers... NOW MORE THAN EVER!

You have no idea what this can do to people, what it could do to families, entrepreneurs, businesses, friends, family members, colleagues and complete strangers. Let's all use our superpower more often! It all starts with genuine gratitude and care.

Colin "Bday Boy" Verhaegen

(Yes today's my birthday and this little article is MY GIFT to YOU!)