Years ago,
my sponsor suggested I do something positive towards someone else’s life. He
asked that I perform this feat at least
three times daily and if the person found
out about the deed, the attempt did
not count.
The point of
the exercise served to:
·
Avoid
selfish thinking by focusing on others.
·
Become
selfless, by helping others.
·
See
the people, situations and the world in a different light.
·
Understand
how lucky we are and grateful we should be.
·
Realize
the power we have in making a difference in someone’s life.
·
Give
me something to do in my free time to prevent boredom.
·
Replace
bad habits with positive results.
At the time,
I didn’t realize the full potential of trying this experiment (probably since I
was too selfishly focused on my own needs). The idea sounded neat and it has
been a “special tip” that I’ve managed to carry throughout my life.
I love using
this technique on total strangers. I sometimes stick around to witness the look
of surprise on the faces of the people affected by an act of generosity. It is
beyond words to see the gratitude on their faces (and not knowing who to
thank).
Several
years ago, I was in a hospital cafeteria and a grieving family came into the
room to purchase a meal. It was clear someone in their family had just passed
away. The family were sobbing and weeping profusely . They could barely hold
onto their trays and frankly, the family did not appear to be financially
blessed. I felt so bad for this woman and her children.
I felt moved to do something.
I carefully drifted
over to the cashier and subtly asked her to put the entire amount of the family’s bill
onto my tab. I walked out of the cafeteria at least feeling a little better for
that family. It was all I could do.
Months later,
someone in management mentioned witnessing the event that day, but didn’t know
my name. It was nice to hear (through my wife) how this grieving family was taken by surprise in their time of
sorrow and how my act momentarily lifted their spirits.
You see, it
doesn’t take three business degrees, a fancy title or a millionaire in order to
make a difference in someone's life.
It only
requires our focus to change a moment in someone’s life and leave an unforgettable
impression.
That one
powerful little lesson Brad asked me to follow thirty years ago is still
reaping rewards.
Thank you-
Brad (wherever you are)!
When was the last time you secretly
helped someone?
Try it- It’s
worth it!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
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work. Thank you.
Great Post, Jim! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. You too!
DeleteOh Jim - this is probably the most powerful thing any of us can do and the beauty of it is that any one of us can do it!
ReplyDeleteYes we can and should try on a daily basis. Imagine how much nicer the world might be. Thanks for your insight! Jim
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