Coaching Corner: There's something about Mary
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
No, we are not going to discuss the movie with Cameron Diaz -- sorry! Today, I want to tell you a story. This story is about another Mary...no not that one either -- this is not a Christmas story, exactly.
Last week I boarded a flight from Cincinnati to Dallas. Upon entering our delayed plane with many disgruntled holiday travelers, one woman stood out like a shining star (again...not that story). She had really big hair -- big like I haven’t seen for some time, adorned with a large red feather (quite festive for the holiday season).
Boarding was a slow process, which although somewhat irritating, was far more interesting as I was able to observe this woman who was clearly very comfortable in her shining stardom. With another look her way, I saw huge, ornate earrings that came from her ears almost to her shoulders. And...a necklace to match, which quite literally covered the majority of her chest! Nope -- not done yet. Clearly, Christmas was very important to her, and she wore a sequined Santa Claus vest, with every primary color, rising to honor this yearly event. To finish the outfit, she had bright red boots that appeared to be suede, although I will not swear to this.
I watched her for some time, as did the other passengers who were boarding. Don’t mistake my description as judgement -- she was clearly one of those people who loved who she was and had no trouble adapting her style to match!
Once I was settled in my seat I noticed her moving down the aisle with a warm smile and friendly comments to everyone. It was then I noticed she had a name tag which read “Mary.” Hmm, a name tag……..
Looking closer, I realized she was not another passenger but one of our flight attendants!! She stopped to chat with the gentleman across the aisle from me and he commented that he was surprised, although pleased, that American Airlines would allow her to wear the vest. The vest, I am thinking...what about the jewelry, the feather, the boots!!!! I loved her ability to own her creation. She responded, “Well, I’m 77 years old and they haven’t fired me yet!” What!!! Our beloved shining star was our 77 years young flight attendant! How cool is that!
During my presentation the next day, I shared the story of Mary with the group, as we discussed living your biggest life. How do we each embrace the biggest parts of ourselves to live as fully as possible? Mary is such a great example of this and each time I think of her, I still smile, appreciating what she brought to each of us on the plane that day.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
