ForbiddenKnowledgeTV
Alexandra Bruce
September 20, 2013
Don’t be deceived by his avocation. Don Ward probably has more integrity and spiritual insight than anyone on Wall Street.
Of course he’s been aware, his whole life, that being a “shoe-shine boy” was not exactly aspirational, in the eyes of many – likely including his own family.
Moreover, his very job description was used as a pejorative term by whites to intimidate blacks (who did not shine shoes for a living) throughout the 20th century and earlier, to put blacks back “in their place”.
But after years of culinary school, where Don Ward mastered the art of being a pastry chef – he realized it just wasn’t him.
Then he had the bravery to be true to himself and recognize that he had to live HIS life – not somebody else’s idea of what his life should be.
So, he went back to shining shoes on 6th Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan. And this man is happy and fulfilled, doing a job that he loves – which is so evident, in the way that he commands the block, selling his services to the hurried, tough New Yorkers, power-walking past him.
You can see, that at the very core of his work is just pure love – and how he wouldn’t have it any other way – and the customers keep on coming.
In his words, “I guess, till I leave this Earth, I’ll always be pushing for better and not worrying about how someone else perceives life should be. I’m gonna be me. That’s it. However you react and respond to it, is your business.”
Please, please watch this to the end. This man has a lot to teach us all.
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