Leveling the Playing Field

The other day was a pretty typical day for me when I am on the road. I stayed in a nice hotel (nice to the tune of $200+ per night). I went to dinner at a “fine dining” restaurant (here you can “read” into the message – not cheap; let’s just say a meal for one that comes in at around $85-100). I took a car to the airport - $65 from hotel to terminal transport. I fly so often that I almost always get “up-graded” to first class. I have elite status with a couple of airlines. This allows me the privilege of going to the “Board Rooms” of the airlines. By in large, I lead a very charmed life; a life that can feel a bit surreal at times. All of this is to say that I have a gnawing feeling about my “luxuries.”

Hold that thought for just a moment and let’s talk about an HBI project. We did a study early in 2009 in which we surveyed a large peri-urban community outside of Arequipa, Peru. The average income for a ”household” living in the area was 587.52 Soles per month - or about $205 per month. This is household income that is the sole support for an entire family (including extended members of the family). Imagine trying to support a family of 5 of a real income of $205 per month.

When I compare one-day of my life “spending” to the “household” income of an entire family – I feel shame. I feel like I have been given so much. I feel a sense of obligation to make the most of my opportunities.

Perhaps this is where I find myself. I do not pretend to know why I have been given so much opportunity in my life – but I do know one thing emphatically . . . my challenge is to ensure that every thing I do in my life is about creating opportunities for others.

The other night when I returned to my hotel room from my “fine dining” experience, I was greeted in the hall by one of the hotel staff. He was pushing a large cart of laundry. As we passed one another in the hall, he carefully and purposefully moved to the opposite side of the hall and profusely apologized for “being in my way.”

I walked back to my room with a sense of “uneasiness” – why am I so “important” that I should be provided such reverence. Then, it suddenly dawned on me . . . we ALL deserve such reverence and courtesy. The true measure of one’s life is not the experiences that we amass, but the opportunities that we help to generate so that others can have experiences that empower and celebrate who they are.

Our work is a great challenge. We are seeking to ensure that everyone knows how important he or she are and that everyone has the opportunity to feel special. We are “building bridges” for change – one day at a time.