Author: Jim Gohrick (Page 76 of 159)

Maybe everyone.

If what you’re doing pertains to them. And generally you can find someone who is interested in what you’re doing or saying.

We are selfish beings. What I mean by that is this: We look out for ourselves and only pay attention to what is going on in our world or how the happenings in the world is going to effect us. This isn’t a horrific trait in us where we seek to harm others, it’s just a fact. By nature, we look out for ourselves and our loved ones first and foremost as we move through this journey called life.

Until – that is – we need other people’s help. Then we look for support, guidance and empathy from those who have been through a similar situation or are willing to listen and give constructive feedback.

It’s all good. Let’s just remember that we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and even though today you may feel like you’re killing it and the last thing you need is someone else’s help, tomorrow you might.

And having a person to empathize with you may be all you need to get through that next obstacle.

So, I got into the office before dawn this morning just like many other days. As I began writing, I heard something bang against the wall that sounded fairly close behind me. I knew I was the only one there, so I stood up to look out the window to see if I could see anything.

As I looked in the covered area just outside my office and in front of our side door, I saw what looked like a persons belongings, etc. Because our shop is on a street where a lot of homeless people travel, I assumed this is what it was.

I went outside to see and sure enough it was a young man going through his backpack. I let him know he was going to have to move on as we were opening soon and that door would have to be opened. He replied that he was drying out his clothes and would be done in a bit.

I came back inside for a few minutes to get back to work. Then I grabbed a couple of plastic garbage bags and brought them to him as I though it might help him keep his extra clothes dry. I handed them to him and he thanked me as I went back inside.

After several minutes, he walked up to the front door of the shop where I opened it to see what he wanted. His backpack was on and it looked like he was heading out. He said to me that he starting walking from south Florida 13 years ago and has been in LA for a while. During that time, he said, I was the first person to show any kindness towards him in the way I did.

It made me pause and think. About a lot of things.

It was two garbage bags.

There may or may not be proof that sending Love out into the world makes a difference, but we should do it anyway.

The same goes for wishing well for an individual, but we should do it anyway.

There is proof that helping others – doing a good deed such as helping an elderly person to cross the street- releases dopamine into our systems which result in “feeling good.” As well as the person receiving the good deed, giving the good deed as well as onlookers. So, we should do that.

It’s always served me well and have never regretted doing any of those things. I have regretted bad behavior on my part. But nevertheless, I can choose to begin again.

And I will.

We can set appropriate expectations – and thus being prepared the most -by embracing – and do I dare say – Loving the challenges when they come our way. Oops. Just did.

And yes, we can. After all, it’s a decision. Let’s make it our own and move on.

Life – our view of life anyway – is just a perspective. We get to choose which one works for us. But, the one’s that set us up for success are the most constructive.

There are reasons why some of us are more “successful” in certain areas of our lives than others. But let’s not kid ourselves and think it’s because of chance or luck. We are where we are because of the choices we have made. Period. After all, we are 100% responsible for our own lives.

So, let’s choose to Love the challenges that lie before us and watch how that colors the way we handle them. We may just be surprised at the results.

The quicker we come to understand the world is not perfect – and never will be – the better.

Not because we’re giving up and calling it quits, but because we’re now prepared for what’s next.

What is next? Anything.

That doesn’t mean we should expect the worst, but it’s possible.

Being in denial isn’t a solution. We don’t go camping with the idea that if I say it’s not going to rain it won’t. You’ll be unprepared, wet and miserable.

The idea is that we understand what we’re in for and we’re ready to pivot when necessary.

And most importantly, we’ve been through rough patches before, so we can certainly get through the next one.

We just need to keep the faith.