I just finished reading ~ and I quote from the back cover ~ “the national bestselling rags-to-riches story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all and was finally redeemed by his new job.” I think that blurb has it a bit wrong. The author, Michael Gates, was redeemed not by his job, but by his change of heart resulting in a change of attitude. His new job was merely the catalyst of that change.

Gates was born into privilege. Doors opened for him simply because of his pedigree, his education, his membership in an exclusive club. In mid-life, he is fired from a lucrative and high-profile position from a very successful advertising agency, and in the process loses his family, his lifestyle and his identity.

Broken and desperately trying to hang onto the illusion of his old life, Gates jumps at an entry level position at Starbuck’s. In the process of learning a new job, working with people he would formerly never have associated with, Gates gradually faces old demons, learns to take new risks and rebuilds his confidence.

But he learns much more. He learns to live from and follow his heart. He says, “The gentle love and peace and happiness I felt now I had never experienced before. Maybe the mistakes I had made — causing so much damage — had also helped me to break out of my comfortable cocoon to get out to a world much more full of life and light.” (p206)

So what’s my point? This man experienced a significant break-through to a better life because he experienced a significant change in self-awareness and what truly mattered to him. Gates came to understand his value and purpose by facing challenges and learning from change. Change that initially was outwardly imposed by circumstance but became inwardly imposed when he realized how out of touch he had been living in relation to his real self.

And that’s my point. By not being fully aware of, and in touch with, your true self; by living a life based on expectations of others, you are merely sleepwalking instead of living a vibrant, balanced, purposeful and rewarding life.

The book? How Starbucks Saved My Life, a Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else, by Michael Gates Gill, 2007, Penguin Group, NY,NY