That definition is not nearly as colorful as Leo Rosten described it in “The Joys of Yiddish” but it adequately illustrates the concept of serendipity in something coming about that is meant to be, in other words, “bashert.”
Good things that happen beyond coincidence.
Yesterday in a series of events that made my day rich and fruitful, I had a few of those bashert moments:
- a LinkedIn presentation in which someone I do not know well called my session “phenomenal,” and a from that same session very good friend whose opinion I respect highly complimented the new look of my slides (and she really knows!) {and just for the record, everyone likes to be complimented, right? but twice is very very nice!}.
- a hearty and spirited meeting with a new colleague about LinkedIn for him and for the nonprofits he knows well and online donation as well, in which the Vulcan mind-meld thing was obvious to us both as we conversed,
- narrowly missing being delayed by the Veteran’s Day Parade which allowed me to quickly cross Fifth Avenue moments (!) before the lead horse-men and -women were to kick off the parade, and arrive at my lunch early so I got to know a few attendees even better than I might, had I been just on time
- that same most enjoyable luncheon among peers and old friends as we discussed our businesses in a most collegial atmosphere. I was able to impart some ideas on using social media for our respective benefits.
- seeing another friend briefly in the stairway after the lunch and renewing our relationship over a few well placed warm words of hello.
What was not bashert was that I missed a train home by seconds. OK, there’s always another one coming. Not everything can line up perfectly.
So the LinkedIn connection you may ask? Nothing monumental, just making relationship-building a part of my everyday life.
And yesterday was one of those wonderful days in which I realize (as I do again and again) that I am connected in hugely rewarding ways to some truly amazing people!