The Friendliest Restaurant in the World

Tim Harris graduated from college, he won a bunch of gold medals in the Special Olympics and he owns his own restaurant. In fact, he is the only person with Down Syndrome to own his own restaurant. He says that it is the "Friendliest Restaurant in the World," and he proves it by keeping a tally of the more than 32,000 hugs he has provided over the years. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6He0FWoFj0&feature=youtu.be

Lesson #1 - Approach the day with passion and joy: Tim begins each day with a dance across the parking lot on his way to work.  He calls it his magic dance. Who does that? Perhaps a more important question is, why don't more people do that. 

Lesson #2 - If you can dream it, you can do it: Tim knew he wanted to own a restaurant at the age of 14. He went to college and worked really hard to learn what it takes to turn that dream into a reality. If he can do what he has done with Down Syndrome, why can't you? 

Lesson #3 - Please, no pity: Quick, what is the first thought that goes through your mind when you see someone with Down Syndrome? Be honest. Mine is that I feel bad for him/her or that I am glad that my child doesn't have to deal with that. Instead, perhaps we should think of Tim and what is inside Tim. He reminds us that people with disabilities are "God's gifts to the world," and I kinda like that.

Lesson #4 - Leave A Positive Mark Each Day: Tim gives a hug to each customer and praises his employees every day. It's so simple, but so important. My guess is he leaves a lasting impression on the people he meets. The questions I leave you with is, Do you make the lives of those around you better or worse? What do you do to make the world a better place on a daily basis?