Altering My Dress Pants – A Magic Moment

One afternoon I went to my dry cleaner. I knew them for almost 3 years. This time it was a little different. I hadn’t visited them for almost a year. The owner is an older couple in their 60s. I know both of them well. They are from Laos. Whenever I see them, the lady always jokes and treats me as her own son.

I entered and called her name. She greeted me as one of her customers. Then she paused for a few seconds. I carried a dress pants on my right hand. Her eyes were opened wide as she was looking at me. Before she got a chance to say anything, I interjected lightly with a smile, “I know, you haven’t seen me in almost a year. I have lost over 50 lbs. from the last time we met. Still recognize me?”

Quite surprised, she answered, “I noticed… No I almost didn’t recognize you.” Then she continued jokingly, “Now I have to charge you as a new customer.”

I handed my dress pants to her in a lighthearted manner, “This is the old me, size 42. I am going to an event this weekend to meet some ladies. Can you help me look good?”

She took her measuring tape and put it around my waist. I could feel that she felt proud towards my achievement. I told her I am size 35 now. As she was measuring me, memories of the past 1.5 years flashed in my head when I spent those hours raising my standard as a man, physically and emotionally.

Looking at her proud expression enabled me to celebrate what I had accomplished. I went home happy.

Then I went to my closet. I faced a high quality problem. A problem I felt proud to have. Eighty percent of my wardrobe was filled with clothes, pants, and suits that were way too big for me.

Remembering her proud expression when she put her measuring tape on me, I made a fist and said, “Yes! Thank you God…!”

A magic moment in life.

Victory.

—
Bro Chan – Life Coach
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