Did you ever meet a stranger who shared an inspirational story that put a smile on your face?
This post is about a server I met in a hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.
My husband and I arrived at the hotel a few days before going on a Viking Riverboat Cruise on the Duoro River.
We were starved and decided to get lunch at the hotel before exploring Lisbon.
Our server seemed pleasant and took our order. We didn’t know that our conversation would be so heartwarming.
Those of you who know me realize that I believe in the power of questions. As a communication coach, I understand how asking the right questions increases the chance of clients going deep and finding answers on their own.
The Question Joyce Asked that Created this Inspirational Story 
I asked Antonio, “Have you always lived in Lisbon?” He smiled and said, “No, I was born in London and discovered an important lesson while taking a train to work in London.” I said, “What lesson did you learn, Antonio?”
Antonio described the passengers’ faces while riding on the train. They were sad, exhausted, and lackluster.
He told us that people usually talk about the lousy weather and how it negatively impacts them.
This was when Antonio got his “aha moment!” He asked himself if he was living his what if.
- What if he left London to explore a better life?
- What if he could look for different opportunities?
He went home and shared this revelation with his mom. She understood totally and felt the same way.
More Details About Antonio’s Inspirational Story
Antonio heard that there were many opportunities in Lisbon. And he decided to spend the summer finding out for himself.
On his first day on the job at the hotel, his new colleagues were welcoming. Additionally, they invited him to join them for a drink after work.
Antonio immediately called his mom and said, “What’s wrong with these people? They are too friendly, and I don’t trust them.” His mom told Antonio to accept their invitation and make the most of the evening.
This was the beginning of Antonio’s new and happy life. People love living in Lisbon, and their smiles and passion for living are proof.
Antonio found out that the “what if” question he asked himself in London opened up a new world for him. He is extremely happy working and living in Lisbon. He now has a new question that he asks himself: What’s next?
He is thinking of many new options that he has never seen before. The great news is that his mom just joined him and feels the same way about her life.
Joyce’s Thoughts About Antonio’s Inspirational Story
I immediately asked Antonio if I could interview him for my blog. I will include the interview in a future article.
What about you? How would you answer the following questions:
- Am I living my what if?
- What do I need to change to find new opportunities right in front of me?
- What’s my what next?
- Am I open to discovering new possibilities for my future that I never saw before?
I am asking myself the same questions. Additionally, it’s exciting to discover opportunities right in front of my nose.
You will hear about these new ideas in future articles! 🙂
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Until Next Time, Be Well and Happy!
Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution
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