If your life is anything like mine, there is never enough time in a day. I find that I’m always leaving something on the table for tomorrow and that something keeps growing and growing until there are so many somethings on that table that things are now on the floor. Sometimes, the amount of leftover projects feels extremely overwhelming, but I often have a desire and even a drive to do just a little bit more. One of those things that I feel is often left on the table is having the time to help someone else. I would love to be able to take a day or two to volunteer to clean up a park or sit and visit with someone in the hospital or a care center. But there never seems to be enough time.
A few years ago, my employer signed us up for customer service training. The idea was to give us tools to help us be more friendly and resolve issues on first contact. When the idea was presented to us, I admit I was like no thanks. But that wasn’t an acceptable answer, so I was enrolled and gave up the precious time I had to solve problems by taking a class on how to solve problems. Ironic, isn’t it??? In the course, we learned how the Disney corporation approaches customer service. It was fascinating, but most of it did not seem new. The best part of the class was learning about the course instructors. The instructors were fantastic. They loved their jobs, their life, and how they can always find ways to help. Now, don’t get me wrong, the instructors’ lives were not perfect. In fact, some subjects were very sad. But that didn’t matter; they were living their life happy and in service to EVERYONE. That got me thinking about how they have time to do everything they were doing.
Once the class was over, we parted ways, and I didn’t think much about it. But then, out of the blue, I saw one of the instructors in the parking garage at work. We stopped and were talking when a couple, who looked lost walked our way. Without missing a beat, the instructor stopped and turned to the couple and asked if they needed anything. The couple looked confused and said they were fine, but we knew they weren’t. My instructor explained that this area was not usually for the general public, and we were both here to help them find their way. With that, the couple explained where they were going and admitted they were lost. The next thing I knew, we were talking to the couple about their visit, their hometown, how long they were there for a visit, and more information than I can even remember. The next thing I knew, we were standing outside the doors to the couple’s intended location. The visitors were so happy, my instructor was happy, and I was confused but really happy. That was when I learned that there was time to help.
From that day on, I have tried to find people to help. At first, it was hard to find people, and it felt odd, but it has become easier. As I walk across my work campus regularly, I encounter someone who is lost, has a general question, or needs a recommendation of what to do next. Sometimes, it is as easy as just pointing down the street. Other times, I get to walk around the block to deliver the guest to their destination. It really doesn’t matter because it is all service. With every experience, I meet a new friend and learn why they are in town. In the few minutes we are together, we become best friends for that moment. It is FANTASTIC.
Now, fast forward to today. This morning, I met a very nice lady who had just started volunteering. She wasn’t sure the best way to get to her destination. No problem. We had a fantastic morning walk and talked to her intended location the entire way. Then, this afternoon, I was walking across the street when I encountered a group of people looking to find a tour of a local site. No problem. We had a few-minute discussion on the different things to see, and we zeroed in on exactly what they were looking for. All they needed was quick directions down one block. After leaving this group, I started thinking about my experiences helping. That is when I realized that helping is easy. You just have to let yourself do it, and opportunities arise every time.