Moccasin Boy

Thursday, 21st May 2009

Another day completed at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. Today I had the opportunity to attend their Executive Board Meeting. Board members have a wonderful responsibility to address ways by which to improve the mission and vision of the Chamber. Each board member represents a different genre of Arizona's business. All are experienced professionals in their field, so it is a true honor and pleasure to learn of them. Board member dynamics are especially interesting and fun to observe. It is quite refreshing to see that professionals are in fact, normal. I have come to also learn that they are able to effectively harmonize both work and play. Sophisticated humor is always in abundance and also a key integral part of success in all areas of life, especially during these hard economic times. One person in particular, with whom I admire, loves to use playful jargon, causing others to blush with a little embarrassment or to engage in jocular banter. I personally believe it is his way of testing people. By getting a reaction he is able to assess their characteristics.

His keen opportunistic eye is always on the lookout, ready to use his quick wit. Interns, of course, always seem like a good target. As I proceeded to pass materials around the long table he said, referring to my shoes, "Now as Ryan walks around the table pay special attention to his moccasins." Knowing that he has a particular knack against men wearing the color pink I quickly retorted, "You should see my pink shirt." I heard some chuckles from those within the reach of my voice.

Yes, the man was playfully joshing me about my shoes. But did I care, no way. Why should I? I actually thought his comment was quite funny; envisioning myself wearing moccasins in a business setting is humorous. Sure the temporary title of "Moccasin Boy" is a little ridiculous, but I know who I am. The general lesson I learned today was not to take life so seriously, nor to take offense of people's teasing. Life is strenuous enough as it is. Words of the teasing, crass, or hateful nature should be like water falling off of a duck's back. Let them roll right off. The 1940 political idiom would apply in this case: “If you can’t beat’em, join’em.” May we all add humor to our professional lives and learn to ignore an occasional joshing. Actually, Moccasin Boy has little ring to it. Say it with me, "Moccasin Boy!"