This morning the local newspaper was telling the story of Jonny Florez. I know Johnny, although until today I did not know his name. I know him from the Las Cruces Farmers Market where he and a female companion sing and play music. They are an older couple, I now know that he is 86, and they are dressed in Mexican attire.
The first time I saw them, several years ago, I thought "What a cute couple. They are representing the cultural history of this city." I assumed they were married, had been for a long time, and did this just for fun. These were my assumptions, and I never gave them another thought.
This morning my assumptions were busted. I read that Johnny's 68 year old home in the downtown area was to be sold for non payment of taxes. I learned that Isabel Aguirre, his musical partner, is a friend, not his wife. That both had gone through very tough times independently of each other. You can read the story here- http://bit.ly/1BGSJEp
After reading the story, I wondered how many other "Johnny's" I come across every day. How many assumptions I make about their lives, and how many opportunities I miss to connect, and make a difference.
"Don't make assumptions" is one of “The Four Agreements", a book by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is one of my guiding principals, and one that I encourage my clients to practice. Today I learned that I have to keep practicing.
*Photo source Las Cruces Sun_News
The first time I saw them, several years ago, I thought "What a cute couple. They are representing the cultural history of this city." I assumed they were married, had been for a long time, and did this just for fun. These were my assumptions, and I never gave them another thought.
This morning my assumptions were busted. I read that Johnny's 68 year old home in the downtown area was to be sold for non payment of taxes. I learned that Isabel Aguirre, his musical partner, is a friend, not his wife. That both had gone through very tough times independently of each other. You can read the story here- http://bit.ly/1BGSJEp
After reading the story, I wondered how many other "Johnny's" I come across every day. How many assumptions I make about their lives, and how many opportunities I miss to connect, and make a difference.
"Don't make assumptions" is one of “The Four Agreements", a book by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is one of my guiding principals, and one that I encourage my clients to practice. Today I learned that I have to keep practicing.
*Photo source Las Cruces Sun_News
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