Zoltan's Socks

Zoltan's Socks

by Mike Scogna

I was a college student in Taiwan for a year and winter was chilly and rainy. My dorm didn't have heat so everything got cold and damp. Imagine rolling out of a warm bed and pulling on cold, wet jeans. But I found a nearby shop that would wash and dry my clothes at a commercial laundry. When I shared this secret with my friend Zoltan, he asked me to drop off his clothes too.
When Zoltan and I arrived to pick up our laundry we found a worried-looking man waiting for us with the shop owner.
The proprietor introduced him. "This is Mr. Lee, the owner of the laundry that washed your clothes."
We smiled and said hello.
Mr. Lee began apologizing and sweating profusely.
"I'm so sorry that this happened," Mr. Lee said. "My family has been in the laundry business for generations and this has never happened before. As the owner I take full responsibility and will do whatever is necessary to make up for our error."
"What happened," I asked.
Mr. Lee solemnly opened Zoltan's laundry bag and removed 6 differently colored socks.
"I'm so sorry," he said. "We looked everywhere for the missing socks and cannot find them. I hope you will except my apology and allow me to buy you six new pair of socks and give you free laundry service for a month."
Zoltan started laughing uncontrollably: "hahahahahaha".
Mr. Lee jumped back, concerned that Zoltan might become violent over his lost socks.
"Zoltan", I said, "what is so funny?"
"None of the socks matched," Zoltan laughed hysterically, his face turning bright red.
Mr. Lee backed further away from Zoltan.
"Zoltan, I don't see anything funny about it," I said.
Zoltan was doubled over laughing, one hand on his belly, the other hand waving us off.
"Wait, wait," Zoltan said, wiping tears from his eyes as his laughter subsided.
"Mike, When I sent the socks for cleaning they didn't match," Zoltan said and started laughing wildly again.
I said: "What!?"
"Mike, I keep a box of socks in my room under my bed," Zoltan reported. "When I go out I grab two socks, put them on and go. I don't care if they match. I sent six unmatched socks to the laundry."
Mr. Lee was confused until Zoltan explained it several times.
Then Mr. Lee started laughing violently and Zoltan backed away from him.
"So we didn't lose your socks!" Mr. Lee said laughing breathlessly. "Hahahahah."
"Mr. Lee," Zoltan said, "my socks don't match--see?" And Zoltan lifted his pant legs to reveal one brown sock and one blue sock. A small crowd gathered in the shop watching Mr. Lee and Zoltan hugging and laughing manically. Mr. Lee smiled and shook Zoltan's hand saying, "today I am grateful to meet a man whose socks don't match."

It's amazing what a different perspective does for your understanding and outlook.

For 15 years, Mike Scogna has been helping people and organizations in over 40 countries, from start ups to Fortune 500 firms, realize revolutionary results. Through his keynote speaking, writing, consulting and videos, Mike helps you understand your mind and transform your thinking so you can achieve your goals and live your passion: creating a life worthy of you.

Learn how to create a life worthy of you at BuildYourBliss.com.

© 2008 Mike Scogna. All rights reserved. You may use or forward this article in its entirety to anyone you wish. Please include the byline, bio, website link, and copy right info.