Tip: We are sometimes oblivious to what is obvious to others!
We probably have all had an embarrassing moment at one time or another. For a woman it may be a “strap problem”; for a man it may be a “zipper problem”. Many of us have accidentally failed to get completely dressed when we were in a hurry or had other things on our mind. When we stepped out into public, we may have noticed other people looking at us in an unusual way. It is like they are trying to tell us that they want to help us, but they are too embarrassed to do so. After all, it is embarrassing to have someone walk up and tell you that you have not finished getting dressed and point out to you how part of your clothing needs some adjustments!
Years ago when I was a school principal, I remember walking down the hall one day and a little kindergarten student by the name of Barry, approached me and said, “X-Y-Z.” I said, “Barry, I am so proud of you because you are learning the alphabet.” He repeated, “X-Y-Z!” I kneeled down, looked him right in the eye and said, “Barry, I heard you the first time and I am so happy that you are learning your alphabet.” He glared at me with the disgust that only a five-year old can give to an adult and said, “Examine your zipper!” At that moment I realized that he was not trying to tell me that he had been learning the alphabet! I quickly made the necessary adjustment, patted him on the head, thanked him, and continued on down the hall talking to other people. I was very grateful for Barry’s five-year old insight and wisdom! You see, I was oblivious to what was obvious to Barry. I was totally unaware that I had not quite finished getting dressed that morning.
This Tip may seem a little silly, but I have come to realize that there are areas of blindness in all of us; blind spots that drastically need attention and improvement. Everyone all around us knows about it…everyone except us.
I have made it a practice to surround myself with people that I know and trust. Occasionally, I will ask them if they see any area of my life that needs improvement or change. I am constantly surprised, and blessed, by their insightful comments. (Note: This takes a lot of courage because I have to be willing to receive what someone else says.) I may disagree 100% with what they are telling me. However, when it comes from two or three different sources, from people whom I know and trust, I believe it is well worth paying attention to the matter and for me to begin to make the necessary changes. This has become a key insight to the way I live my life and I try to make improvements on a daily basis. I am still on the journey.
This week you might want to take a deep breath and approach someone that you know and trust with the question, “If there were one suggestion you could give me that would help me improve my life, what would it?” There is great wisdom in this exercise because of the insight it will give you. Be brave and try this Tip this week!
Tip: We are sometimes oblivious to what is obvious to others!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
