Last year, in October, Megan and I took a trip down to Myrtle Beach. Along the way we made a few stops in New York, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach and we drove through the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was incredible. While we were in New York we decided to do everything we had not done yet in the city (For those who know what we did during our 2010 trip you know there wasn't much left). The things on the list: NYU, experience Washington Square Park, and of course the Staten Island Ferry to wave at The Statue of Liberty.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was pretty warm. We waited to board the Staten Island Ferry to wave at the Statue of Liberty and take some great pictures of the scenery. For those who have never taken this ferry, it is free. It takes you to Staten Island, you have to get off, then re-board to journey back to Manhattan. On the journey back to Manhattan I decided to sit down on a bench at the back of the ferry. Megan was enjoying taking more photos. As she was doing this I noticed a person beside me. He was an older gentleman and was alone. He said something to me and before anyone could blink Gary and I were in a great conversation.
The conversation lasted the entirety of the trip back to Manhattan. I can't recall all of what we talked about, but there is something I found out through the conversation. Gary was from Australia (yes, the accent was AWESOME!). A number of years ago he and his wife had taken a trip to New York and did many things together. This time, he was alone. Gary's wife had died in the past year. He was in great spirits about it though. He told me about his friend who told him something profound just after his wife had died. The friend said, "Gary, you can either be bitter or better, you choose." Gary then promptly told me he was going to be better!
After a bit more conversation he told me he was on this trip in memory of his wife; he was doing all the things he and his wife did on their previous trip. Just before we docked he told me how much he enjoyed Jersey Boys and how he was going to see them that night. When we docked he got up, said goodbye and was on his way. I wanted to continue to talk, but he had things to do!
I love it, "Gary, you can either be bitter or better, you choose." This thought has stuck with me since that moment on the ferry. In life I am going to go through so many experiences, all of which are going to shape who I become - even the seemingly mundane ones. After every experience I now ask myself, "bitter or better?" I have to admit, sometimes I choose bitter. Heck, it's easier! It's harder to move on from certain experiences sometimes, but once it's done it's great.
I will never forget that ferry ride. Gary is forever in my life. I know I will probably never see Gary again, but I thank you Gary, for giving me such great advice simply by sharing your story with me.*
Obviously there is more to write about when it comes to Gary, but this is the biggest point.
Honestly, what do you choose more often: bitter or better?
Think about it.
Thoughts are always welcome.
*For more on the power of story visit storylineblog.com. Also for a great book on the power of story pick up A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and it was pretty warm. We waited to board the Staten Island Ferry to wave at the Statue of Liberty and take some great pictures of the scenery. For those who have never taken this ferry, it is free. It takes you to Staten Island, you have to get off, then re-board to journey back to Manhattan. On the journey back to Manhattan I decided to sit down on a bench at the back of the ferry. Megan was enjoying taking more photos. As she was doing this I noticed a person beside me. He was an older gentleman and was alone. He said something to me and before anyone could blink Gary and I were in a great conversation.
The conversation lasted the entirety of the trip back to Manhattan. I can't recall all of what we talked about, but there is something I found out through the conversation. Gary was from Australia (yes, the accent was AWESOME!). A number of years ago he and his wife had taken a trip to New York and did many things together. This time, he was alone. Gary's wife had died in the past year. He was in great spirits about it though. He told me about his friend who told him something profound just after his wife had died. The friend said, "Gary, you can either be bitter or better, you choose." Gary then promptly told me he was going to be better!
After a bit more conversation he told me he was on this trip in memory of his wife; he was doing all the things he and his wife did on their previous trip. Just before we docked he told me how much he enjoyed Jersey Boys and how he was going to see them that night. When we docked he got up, said goodbye and was on his way. I wanted to continue to talk, but he had things to do!
I love it, "Gary, you can either be bitter or better, you choose." This thought has stuck with me since that moment on the ferry. In life I am going to go through so many experiences, all of which are going to shape who I become - even the seemingly mundane ones. After every experience I now ask myself, "bitter or better?" I have to admit, sometimes I choose bitter. Heck, it's easier! It's harder to move on from certain experiences sometimes, but once it's done it's great.
I will never forget that ferry ride. Gary is forever in my life. I know I will probably never see Gary again, but I thank you Gary, for giving me such great advice simply by sharing your story with me.*
Obviously there is more to write about when it comes to Gary, but this is the biggest point.
Honestly, what do you choose more often: bitter or better?
Think about it.
Thoughts are always welcome.
*For more on the power of story visit storylineblog.com. Also for a great book on the power of story pick up A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.
Always always better! I've lived and learned from myself and others who have been bitter. The bitter root grows and grows and consumes oneself. Choose the high road, you will live and love better than ever.
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