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Hi, this is Linda Gullo with your weekly update on living a life with meaning and hope. Here at Mini Miracles from Minor Moments, you’ll find of insights and knowledge about yourself through the short stories. My plan is to help you like yourself and recognize the gifts you have been given. We all have them and until someone or some experience shows us, we often miss seeing them.
Podcasts can be accessed on your smart phones or on our website lindagullo.com weekly.
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There are so many things I’d like to provide for you. If this is your first time listening to me, you know that this is a treat for me. Podcasting allows me to reach out of the 4 corners of my office where I work as a Counselor and Business Coach. I want to be part of your day as inspiration. I invite you to like yourself and will be offering stories to inspire you.
So today’s story is about People. Loving, kind, and generous people who are great at Hospitality. Have you ever been warmly welcomed into a new situation and appreciated the time and kindness shown to you? Well I have on quite a few occasions. As a matter of fact, I try to do the same for others as they in my office. I know they are coming in to resolve issues. I don’t want to add to their anxiety by making their first visits uncomfortable.
Several years ago my daughter and I went to Dublin, Ireland. You know how it is, going to a place for the first time. Well traveling to a new country is no different- even for those who are seasoned travelers.
We were with a church group, but we did have time to roam in each of the towns we stayed at–so one afternoon towards the end of our trip, we returned to the town of Dublin.
We were let off the bus in town and had a list of places we wanted to check out. We had wanted to find this place the visit before and didn’t have enough time.
It was a cold, windy, and rainy day in Fall. Our coat hoods were flying off and the rain was rather intense. We walked around for awhile until we came upon the address we were looking for- when we realized the building was empty and the site had moved.
Our spirits instantly deflated. We were disappointed-to say the least. We were looking for a Wax Museum, and we both had set our intentions on going there! Now even more driven to find it, we pulled out our maps and pointed ourselves in the direction of the new address. Off we went. Our umbrellas were of no use in the wind so the walk was intense.
We had learned on a previous visit to Dublin that people were kind and always good at directing us. They often used the word “Junction” to designate turning at a stop sign or building so we learned early on to ask for specifics. Neither of us realized how much walking it would entail, but after wandering around and not finding the spot for a good 15 minutes, we asked 2 young girls walking past us, where we would find the address.
They asked us what was located at that address. We told them it was the Wax Museum. They chattered between themselves for a moment said they knew where it was. One began explaining and then said, “Oh come, follow us, we will just take you there!” Well we were glad they did for we would never have found it on our own!
Neither of them were warmly dressed, but rather in lightweight dresses and in heels. Both were High School students about 16 years old, who had come into town for the day to shop and meet other friends.
In the journey to our destination, both of them asked questions about Chicago and how much they desired to come to the United States. They wanted to know about the USA and when my daughter told them she had a daughter their age, they instantly began talking about school, clothes, and typical teenager thoughts.
They moved quickly around buildings into what looked like the back of an alleyway. It led us to an old Bank building. And there it was –a museum inside an old bank.
Linda meets Batman!
Now they leaned in to give us hugs and thanked us for the time to chat with them. What great hospitality they provided and yet they were thanking us. WOW. Sometimes the best part of a day, is the surprised we have showered upon us by people. It was a moment of this trip that neither of us will forget. It was the encounter of 2 young people rising above the crowd to take a calculated risk in helping 2 strangers in an unfamiliar place.
Each room would house various wax sculptures. A theme of the “Potato Famine” with people thin and gaunt who had suffered. The whole room brought the history alive. Another room featured the pop culture-the Beatles and other singers. A landing had several Popes — all so lifelike. There were featured writers and interactive wax sculptures to have photos taken. On my website, you see I met Batman. He was rather charming.
The trip to find this museum was definitely worth it, but the best part was the life giving qualities of the girls that led us to it. They were trusting indeed and so energetic. They had personality plus.
Can you imagine a book of delight-filled stories like this? Well, soon I will be releasing Pathways to Delight in Living and hope you will be here for that Publication.
So I ask you,
“When was the last time you were warm and hospitable to someone coming into your life?”
“When was the last time you were warmly invited into someone else’s space?”
“Did you extend an olive branch or create an opportunity for growth, and restoration of the human spirit?” This is the first week of the Lenten season and many of us are trying to do positive and kind things for one another.
Please join me here regularly at Mini Miracles. Each episode is based on simple stories. These show stopping podcasts last only about 10 or 15 minutes, but are jam packed with upbeat and encouraging tidbits for you to take along. Use your God given qualities to build on and keep moving forward. If you would like to recommend a guest or do a guest blog, I’d love to talk with you.
Until next week, stay true to yourself. Thank you for listening and for the kind feedback I have received. Know you can reach me through the website at lindagullo.com
Feel free to sign up for free handouts. Recognize the good people around you, the small joys that carry you forward and the laughable moments. Look for those Mini Miracles that grow into better and bigger things to help you Delight in Living.
Remember that “One single step may put you on the escalator of success.” Bye for now and have a great week.