| Moment #3 - Introduction - "A day without an | | | | financially free and don't have to work for a |
| Introduction is a day that is weak in the | | | | living, introductions can become absent to |
| human experience." | | | | almost non-existent in their lives. No matter |
| | | | what your work situation, it's imperative you |
| Every time you meet someone new, however | | | | find the time to meet new people whenever you |
| brief the encounter might be, you have just | | | | get the chance. |
| experienced introduction. | | | | |
| | | | If you are living a lifestyle where you are |
| When we experience an introduction, our focus | | | | consciously choosing not to meet people for |
| shifts to that person and our encounter with | | | | whatever reason and you've gone several days |
| them. We listen to what they have to say, and | | | | without meeting somebody, I encourage you to |
| we watch how they act. Likewise, they are | | | | make an effort to meet someone today. Meeting |
| watching us. We are also wondering how they | | | | someone doesn't have to be complicated |
| perceive us, even if it's on the subconscious | | | | either. Nor do you have to spend any money. |
| level. The beauty of an introduction is that | | | | It can be as simple as going to the park and |
| it returns our thinking to the moment at | | | | finding someone who's walking their poodle. |
| hand. | | | | Admire their dog. Tell him or her how cute it |
| | | | is (even if it's ugly), and you'll have a new |
| Depending on the circumstances of the | | | | friend. Donate your time to a church group. |
| introduction, we could be thinking a variety | | | | Donate your time to the local Little League |
| of things: Who is this person? What do they | | | | (or any sporting association) and become an |
| want? How do I look? I like this person. I | | | | assistant coach. |
| dislike this person. I'd like to see this | | | | |
| person again. This person talks too much. | | | | Another situation where introductions can be |
| This person is interesting. This person is | | | | scarce is when you are married or otherwise |
| boring. How do I end this conversation? | | | | involved in a serious relationship. This can |
| | | | happen because you've become complacent |
| It's critical to remember that we can only | | | | within your relationship, and you are content |
| experience introduction one time with each | | | | with not meeting anyone new. It could be that |
| person we meet. Once that initial meeting is | | | | your partner is jealous or insecure and fears |
| over, it's gone forever; and our future | | | | the idea of your meeting people. Although |
| interactions with that individual will fall | | | | it's normal for people involved in committed |
| into one of the other moments described later | | | | relationships to meet fewer people, I believe |
| in this book. | | | | this is a detriment to the human spirit and |
| | | | will eventually lead to resentment within the |
| They say first impressions are important. I | | | | relationship. |
| completely agree. Your first encounter with | | | | |
| someone (your introduction to this person) is | | | | If your partner is the primary reason for |
| such a powerful moment in the human | | | | lack of introductions (jealous, insecure, or |
| experience that your actions and words will | | | | anything along those lines), maybe you can |
| be forever etched into the other person's | | | | try meeting new people together in a |
| memory. First impressions are so strong that | | | | non-threatening environment. Perhaps you can |
| practically everyone is on his or her best | | | | meet someone who is of the same sex. A |
| behavior when meeting someone new. They are | | | | jealous partner is a tough situation, the |
| right to do so. If a person gives a poor | | | | solution to which is beyond the scope of this |
| first impression during an introduction, this | | | | book. In the interest of fulfilling your |
| person will spend a lifetime trying to | | | | human needs and enjoying the most of everyday |
| correct it. | | | | life, I suggest you find a way to meet new |
| | | | people. This might mean you need to |
| Introductions can happen by design (walk up | | | | re-negotiate the scope of your relationship, |
| and introduce yourself to a stranger), by | | | | or maybe you need a new partner altogether. |
| accident (bumping into someone when you exit | | | | It's quite possible to have a monogamous |
| an elevator), or through any random chain of | | | | relationship and still meet new people |
| events. | | | | everyday. |
| | | | |
| All of the following are samples of | | | | Geographical limitations - You live in a hut |
| introduction: | | | | on the frozen tundra of a remote section of |
| | | | Alaska. Your best friend is a prairie dog |
| Meeting an associate for the first time | | | | nicknamed Spunkie, and the only interaction |
| | | | you have with human beings is the jet liner |
| Dialing a wrong number and talking with | | | | that flies low on the horizon every evening. |
| someone new | | | | And you need binoculars to see the plane. |
| | | | |
| Handing your driver's license to a police | | | | If this describes you, then you need to move. |
| officer you've never met | | | | If you're alive and breathing and taking up |
| | | | space in this world, then for one reason or |
| For most people, introductions are plentiful | | | | another the universe wants you here. Start |
| in the work environment. This is where | | | | interacting with the rest of us. |
| working in a coffee shop would have an | | | | |
| advantage over working just about anywhere | | | | The bottom line: Find a way to incorporate |
| else. However, if you work at home or work | | | | introductions into your life. Make them a |
| independently, or for those who are | | | | priority. They are important. |