Kosta and Penelope: Sometimes You Have to Adjust Your Focus

Things are never quite what they appear... sometimes you have to adjust your focus!

When I visited Florida a few months ago, I hired a taxi to take me to the airport for my return flight. A big black van pulled up to gather me and my luggage. The driver stepped out and I stepped back. He was this big, imposing-looking man, wearing all black and looking like he could be somebody's bodyguard--or a hit man.

I nervously got into the van (the service had been recommended by the hotel concierge, so I figured it had to be legit), and imagined what would be a nervous and quiet 30-minute ride to the airport.

As I got settled in my seat behind the driver, all of a sudden this little furry face turned to look at me from the front passenger seat. I couldn't help but smile and I asked the driver, "Who's this???"

He said, "That's Penelope. She's my co-pilot. And my icebreaker."

He went on to say that he knows he looks intimidating, so he brings his little Yorkshire terrier along while he drives.

That little precious package definitely broke the ice and she napped on the front seat while Kosta (the driver) and I chatted all the way to the airport. I asked him to tell me about Penelope, and we then talked about living in Florida, the weather, alligators, politics, traffic, the economy, and more. He told me he was a boxer and a fitness enthusiast. He had moved to Florida after visiting the area and falling in love with it. I told him I was a military veteran, a life coach, and had a podcast and he asked me to send him the link.

He dropped me safely at the airport, I said goodbye to him and Penelope and promised to be in touch. I sent him the link to my podcast (Finding Focus After 50) and he said he'd take a listen and also share it with his sisters.

A few weeks later I got a text from Kosta. He had just listened to my podcast episode called, "Bright Spots...." He said he loved the bright spots concept and told me how I'd been a bright spot in his day.

(Here's the link in case you want to listen.) https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FW2y3UtWGSTnihef5t71m

 His message was a bright spot in MY day, and I still smile when I think of this big friendly guy and his sweet little dog, Penelope.

 What I learned is that sometimes you have to adjust your focus…and isn't it great when life gives you these unexpected surprises to help you do just that?

Cheering for you!