Solving More Than the Cube (A Lesson in Courage, Kindness, and Patience)

A Heavier Kind of Negativity

Times have been difficult for many—including me—but lately, the negativity seems heavier than usual. Maybe it’s the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, the restrictions, the political arena, less sunlight going into winter… or perhaps just a fading hope that things will soon improve.

I know it’s hard to stay positive. It is for me too. But what hits me harder is how quickly people spread their negativity. I realize I have high empathy, which probably makes it harder to stay grounded when I’m around negativity. And I know I’m not the only one—others are impacted by it more deeply, and often for much longer.

I’m not much of a social media person, and I try not to share my opinions unless asked. However, I do love a “good” story.

Those who know me know I’m introverted—reserved, even shy at times. But if the situation calls for it,

or depending on who I’m with—I can hold my own with any extrovert—at least for a short time. Still, what happened recently surprised even me.

Lesson in the Toy Aisle

I was in a store when I saw a young boy pull a Rubik’s Cube off the shelf. He wasn’t a product of the ’80s, but I could tell he wanted it. I’m not one to judge what a parent decides their child can or can’t have— but this moment was different.

His mom was telling him he couldn’t get the puzzle—not because he was misbehaving, not because of money, not because he had too many toys already. Instead, she said he didn’t have the patience. That he wasn’t smart enough to figure it out. And her delivery… wasn’t kind.

🎯Choosing Influence Over Anger

I did my best to turn anger into charm. I walked over, smiled with my eyes (my face was masked—ugh, COVID), and respectfully asked if I could show him something. Thankfully, the mom didn’t seem threatened—I think I’m relatively harmless.

I knelt beside him and asked if I could see the puzzle. I took it out of the package and began to mix it up. His eyes widened. I asked him if it was scrambled enough, and I could tell he smiled.

As I started to solve it, I explained that I grew up with this cube and always felt it was impossible. Trying not to make his mom feel bad, I offered a bridge:

“Your mom is right… that many people struggle with puzzles like this—because they take time

and effort, even for adults. And that can be frustrating, especially for parents.”

🧠Mindset Over Mastery

I focused in and solved it in a few minutes. No records were broken. I don’t know the exact look on his face, but I’ll never forget his laugh.

I couldn’t tell if his mom was shocked, annoyed, or embarrassed. But she seemed more relaxed. Whew! I told him that learning to solve it wasn’t easy, but once I did, I was even able to teach my daughter (about his age at the time) how to solve it.

I reinforced what his mom had said—kind of. That it takes patience and commitment. But it’s

surprisingly worthwhile—for all kinds of reasons.

🌊Small Acts, Big Ripples

What I did may have seemed risky, but honestly, it was more comfortable for me than posting something personal like this online.

Negativity affects all of us—we’re human. But feeding off it only fuels it. And it rarely changes anything.

In fact, it often makes things worse.

We have to learn how to face it, manage it, and stop it from spreading. If you see someone struggling,

consider helping them. I learned it doesn’t take much—maybe a little courage. 

💬Words Matter

We all know it’s never good to tell a child—or anyone—that they’re not good enough or that they can’t do something. That rarely motivates. But when we’re stressed or negative, we forget.

So I reached into my pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. (Those cubes used to be a lot cheaper.) I looked at his mom and asked if I could buy him the puzzle. Thankfully, her demeanor had changed. I

think she smiled as she nodded. (And honestly, being put on the spot probably helped. I’m not above a

little awkward persuasion—lol.)

I handed him the money and told him to pick a new one off the shelf.

I bought the one I’d opened—and kept it for myself.

As a reminder.

Because I know I can be just as guilty as anyone.

If You’re Reading This…

To the mom in this story—if this was you… my apologies for putting you on the spot. Also… thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to make a brief appearance in your lives—and hopefully make a positive impact.

Thank you for helping me learn a lifelong lesson too. I promise to pay it forward. And finally—thank you for not calling store security.

Want to lead with more impact?

Let’s talk. I help individuals and teams put these principles into action—with clarity, intention, and measurable results.