Blue Sky
Austin, TX | ©️ 2024 Alicia Kae Miller
Years ago, on a trip to Lake Tahoe, CA, a friend shared with me a thought process in advertising that involves no constraints, aka blue sky thinking.
This mindset is a must-have rather than a go-to for this self-professed Pollyanna. Still, writing this perspective, my heart is heavy, and tears fill my eyes as global and social wars at home rage on. However, with everything I have—mind, body, and soul—my hope against hope is that we will finally see cracks of much-needed light, and peace will prevail for all.
As we wrap up another year, I want to shine a light on how empathy is as empathy does.
In mid-December, I picked a loved one up from the airport, and as we loaded her bags, I foolishly put my laptop case on the roof of my truck. Once situated, we rolled out. It wasn't until we were halfway home that I realized what I had done. For the next two hours, we circled the area looking for signs of laptop life, and finally, around 1:30 AM CT, we gave up and pointed toward home.
After a sleepless night, I lit out early and didn't look at my phone until midday. When I finally listened to my messages, I discovered that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) Lost and Found had my undamaged computer in hand.
Later, I learned that an ABIA groundskeeper found my belongings (with identifying information inside) lying in the grass near the terminal's entry/exit. After passing the items off to his manager, they were soon under lock and key with L&F.
Since realizing that all was not lost, I cannot help but think about the idiom "what goes around comes around" and continue to have nothing but faith, hope, and love for the generosity of the human spirit.
Until we meet again, believe in the power of empathy. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
January 2025