Today, I was sharing drinks with a colleague when I heard him whisper his full name.

It was fascinating to me. So I asked why he whispered his name. He said it was a way of reminding himself of his values.

I became concerned, as I wondered how sharing drinks was infringing on his values. He laughed and explained that his mind had taken him to a place in his past filled with hurt.

He whispered his name as a reiteration of “never again.”

I am thankful for the gems observation uncovers.