“You get the helper of the day award!"
Yep, that was what a woman at Kohl's said to me last week as we walked into the store together. She was carrying a very large box and I could see that opening a door was going to be a struggle for her. I walked in ahead of her and then held it open. As our eyes met and the smiles spread across our faces, she said, "Thank you so much."
I simply said, "It feels so good to be able to be this close to someone and help. There were so many times over the last year that I saw people struggling with doors, car trunks, picking up things and I couldn't help because I had to stay 6 feet away. It made me so sad to see how I could help, but feel that my hands were tied."
I’m sure you’ve felt this way too in recent weeks. Excited for the chance to smile at a baby, pet someone’s dog, or hold the door open for a stranger.
What I Didn’t Know I Missed During Quarantine
As we begin to see more and more of each other, I am reflecting on how much value I gain from those small everyday interactions. It isn’t just the separation from our loved ones that has taken a toll on our mental health. It’s the shared experience of a day at the mall, the feeling of being seen by another person, the acknowledgement that we’re going through this together.
The woman and I shared a laugh as I continued into the store. Not 25 feet in the door, I saw a bottle of hand sanitizer fall off the checkout counter. I popped over, picked it up, handed it to the cashier and smiled. My new friend was still walking behind me and saw what I had done. That’s when she said, "You get the helper of the day award!”
“I'm going to walk in front of you and knock things off the shelves to see if you keep picking things up," she laughed.
The gift I get in return for offering my helping hand is seeing the smile – oh, how I missed those smiles!
How to Make the Most of Our Current Global Transition
Moments like this where we notice ourselves moving through a transition – in this case from isolation to community – are a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how we want to show up. What impact is this change having on us? How do we want to respond to it?
I put together a short list of powerful journaling questions that can help guide you in these discoveries. I really encourage you to do it! This is a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning – don’t waste it!
Download my journaling prompts for free right here >>
How are you going to use your newfound freedom? Please share in the comments! Sharing your ideas is a way to lift others.