"Surprise Me!"

My boss called us all into our office and gave us a choice.

Health Care Reform was happening,

and as the Senior Management team, we were all going to lose our jobs.

We had a choice.

We could either stick around and see where the government-run health network would place us, or we could take the package, and sign a document confirming that we would leave the health care industry entirely and not work in a hospital, out-patient centre or nursing home for two years, notwithstanding that was the only employer most of us had known.

We had forty eight hours to make up our minds.

The next night I was invited to a party

at a restaurant called Noir, where you eat in complete darkness with intention of replicating what it’s like to be blind.

Before we got to the dark section,

we were given a menu and invited to select an appetizer, main and dessert.

There was also the option of “Surprise Me!” for each course.

“I’ll take ‘Surprise Me!’”, I said.

“For all three courses?” asked the server, “You understand that you will not see what you are eating?”

“Isn’t that why we’re here?” I asked, confused.

“Wow, you’re brave.”

“Well,” I explained, “If I’m in, I’m all in.”

My logic was

I am probably not coming back to this restaurant. I might as well submit to the full experience. Also, I don’t have a lot of opportunities to be brave, so I’m going to grab the small ones when I can.

I woke up the next morning

and heard my own voice. When I’m in, I’m all in.

I went to the office the next day and

quit the job I had been fired from. I signed the document and I took the package.

This was ten years ago.

From a Persistence standpoint,

it’s important to know who you are and what your core values are. That way, when you have a tough decision to make, you know where you stand. Or, if you are questioning why you embarked on this project in the first place, you can go back to what brought you there.

If you are not sure who you are, or what your core values are, it’s something to think about when you’re in the shower. Or to use as a journal prompt or inspiration for your next collage.

Or, you can join Brandee and me at our upcoming retreat, and we’ll help you figure it out.

Come and join us for a day in the country where we will work on releasing our blocks, and let our words flow. Early bird rate available till July 22nd, write to me for details.