Sliding Doors

There was a movie a while back with Gweneth Paltrow about a woman who's life changed in seconds when she missed the train on her way to work.  Do you ever consider how each move we make and every choice we make determines our next part of our life's path?  It's taken me a while to get that concept and every once in a while, I have a reminder.

Tonight while walking back to my hotel after dinner (I'm traveling for work AGAIN!), a man who was stopped at the street light with me began to talk to me as we crossed the street and walked together (at the same pace) over the next 2 blocks.  Within the walk, I learned that although he was in the printing business, he went to college for accounting and didn't pursue that career path because he needed money urgently.  He also let me know that he was very intellient and knew a good woman when he saw one (this is between his compliments about my dimples, and comments about my guard - which was obviously UP!).  He gave me a subtle invitation for lunch and made a weak attempt at asking for my number before I shut him down simply by saying that I don't live and work here...I'll be gone in a couple of days.  Before he crossed the third street to go the other way, he said, "let your guard down so that you can let the right one in".

Prior to my encounter with this man, I was eating in a very nice restaurant alone, contemplating why I always eat alone.  Although it bothers me, I'm not disabled by it, but it does put me in a melancholy mood.  Some things aren't the way I would like them in my life, but overall, I'm a great package.  Of course, I'm looking for another great package - not perfect, but great.

I realize that as I meet thousands of people a year, and literally hundreds have walked by me these last 3 days, I had many opportunities to make connections. I don't necessarily mean love connections, but business connections and friendships also.

In my commitment to play the game of life, I suppose that means that I should go through some doors, and let others slide shut....hmmm.

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