There are not many equalizers in our society. We tend to focus on the dividers, the things that make us different. However, if you look carefully, you can find many equalizers. The concept that you have heard before, “everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time,” is a great example of this type of thinking. My daughter has a book on the shelf called, “everyone poops.” That is also an equalizer statement.
The basics are easy to find. Everyone needs shelter. Everyone needs food, water and basic resources. However, there are many other equalizers in and around our societies. One of those is running.
This morning I started running through the streets of Cupertino again. To keep it interesting, I found an elementary school track and field spot that is open to the public. It was dark outside when I started and I felt that I would have this track all to myself. However, as dawn started to bring the environs to light I found myself being joined by several people. As I ran around the track, I would encounter these people either by passing them or them passing me. What is interesting is the wide range of cultures and people that were running with this morning. When I said, Good Morning I did not always get English replies back. There were men, women, old, young, and representation from various countries. I felt like I was running right into a United Benneton Ad, well except for the emaciated teenagers.
The thing is that runners are the same everywhere. Does not matter where you are from or what your background is, when you are on the trail, pounding the pavement – you are equal. For a brief moment in time, each person that I nodded to, or said hi to, were equals. We are runners.
Makes me wonder how we should look for and find more equalizers with people we work with, associate with, our clients, our employees. Instead of focusing on differences, focus on what equalizes us.
Guy Reams
