Your "come from" is everything

Today was another fun shopping experience at Costco – where I choose to continue to shop despite their updated mask policy which requires even those with a medical exemption to wear a mask or a face shield.

Back in November when this policy came in effect I made the decision to play the game, shop on my terms and have some fun with it.

As I’ve shared before, I’m not “anti-mask” – I am pro freedom.

Meaning, if you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so – and please respect my decision not to.

Typically I rock an awesome Iron Man mask while at Costco – which by the way is the only place where I’ve needed to wear a mask in the past 13 months – but today I was an adorable teddy bear.

As usual I received a bunch of smiles, laughs, and positive comments.

Today however, was my first in-depth conversation around the whole mask and “pandemic” issues while shopping.

It began as I caught a couple of fabulous ladies completely off guard when I turned around to face them after grabbing something off the shelf.

After a bunch of laughs, they quietly enquired if my mask was also in protest. 

Which of course, it lovingly is.

We engaged in a wonderful, thoughtful and intelligent conversation. They were so curious and open to hearing more.

They reminded me why I’m doing what I’m doing.

They admitted that they didn’t agree with the masks either and were quite suspect as to the reasoning behind all of the lockdowns etc.

They also admitted that – up till then – they didn’t think they had the courage to do what I was doing.

They were very inspired by our conversation as I articulated that despite me not agreeing with Costco’s mask policy – this was not a big “fuck you.” 

Rather, I see my role as an opportunity to show people something different, to spread love and smiles – and as I’ve often heard from people – make their day. 

I am consciously coming from Love – and a loving place – and they could feel that.

I also shared that part of my intention behind not wearing a mask throughout this whole year (other than a halloween mask while in Costco) is to remind people of what “normal” really is – to see a smile, to see someone’s face and to connect. We can’t forget what that looks like.

We ended our conversation with a bunch of photos together – arms wrapped around each other – so that they could share this experience with others and inspire them to do something different as well.

The fact that by just wearing a fun hallowe’en mask could get someone to think, to challenge the narrative and possibly inspire action – absolutely made my day.

It completely inspired me and has really got me thinking even deeper about all of this.

It was a beautiful encounter and one I’m very grateful for. 

Each day is such a gift – but especially when we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

It seems like such a simple thing, but movements start with one person, one idea, one action – with the right intention, coming from love, and for the greater good of all. 

Stand in your truth, stand for what you believe in, be the change that you want to see in the world.

… and you may just have the honour of inspiring others to do the same.