Attention and Identity

The world isn't really that big.

I keep seeing this guy around my neighborhood. He's driving a camel-colored Cybertruck that is absolutely hideous.

I love it.

I spot him in the morning, in the evening, and even this weekend on the other side of town when I was picking up my kid from school.

I thought, "What are the odds I'd see the same guy everywhere?"

That thought led me to a realization.

Maybe I see all these people all the time, but I just don't notice them because they don't stand out.

None are as obvious as the guy in the hideous camel-colored Cybertruck I love so much.

This got me thinking about how I show up in the world.

Should I be like the Cybertruck guy? More visible? And if so, how?

Maybe I'm the gold chain guy. Or the parrot-on-the-shoulder guy.

Do I need to stand out? Or should I blend in with the sea of white, silver, and grey five-door cars?

Omnipresent but indistinguishable.

Like an NPC, camouflaged, checking off my daily tasks unnoticed.

Sitting there in traffic, lost in thought, something happened.

A miracle.

Like an angel from a vision, I saw the most beautiful orange bird I've ever seen.

It flew right over me and landed in a group of other birds.

The other birds attacked it just as it landed, ripping at its head.

I was shook for a second, but then I realized — it wasn't what I thought.

The bird wasn't being attacked.

This wasn't a majestic orange bird at all.

It was just a regular bird with a Cheeto in its beak.

The bird had brought the Cheeto back to share with his friends.

It was hideous, and I loved it.

At that moment, I decided that's how I wanted to show up in the world.

Not as someone who stands out to be noticed but as someone who has something valuable to share.

Indistinguishable, perhaps, from the rest — until you see that bright orange Cheeto.

The best way to stand out is through generosity.

The world isn't so big after all.

The people who truly stand out are the ones who give first.

So, if you're ever in Denver and spot that hideous camel-colored Cybertruck, tip your hat to the guy.

He did me a big favor.

I'm here to nourish the tribe that's counting on me.

I hope you like Cheetos.