Why Notice All The More Those Who Assist

Dear Why Team member,

I hope this week’s message finds you well and living in gratitude for others.

I once asked a teenager: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Before he could answer, his (believing) mother answered, “whatever God designed him to be!” 

No matter your profession, I believe that we’re all designed to help each other. And some days we get to help and other days, we get to be grateful for all the ones around us who get to help us. Today, I am so grateful to all those who have hired me to speak over the years - my life has been enriched in so many ways as I work to enrich others.  I have gotten to experience most of the U.S. and have been gifted with much international travel as well.  But more importantly and impact-fully, it has been my fellow human beings that have enriched my life the most.

Today, more than ever, I particularly noticed those who just this morning made my day all the better.

My first conversation this morning was with a colleague who worked so hard and succeeded in solving a big problem for a client of mine.

My second human interaction happened during a call to the front desk to request that my rental car be brought to the valet area.  The young lady was very kind and reassuring that my car would be ready.

When I left my hotel room and was waiting for the elevator, the cleaning lady walked by and said,
 “Have a good day!”

Coming off the elevator I approached the young valet who was quick to serve, giving me my keys and offering to load my bags in the car - knowing without prompting: briefcase in passenger seat, suitcase in trunk :-)

The woman at the front desk had a big smile and asked me about my stay.

When I arrived at the airport to return my rental car, Suzanne was happy to check me out and give me direction to the terminal.

Notice how many interactions over a short period of time - and how each had a role to play, a job to do and how much more enjoyable their life must be to live in service to others.  I once heard there is no such thing as a self-made man or woman, we are all part of a community of fellow human beings and how much more enjoyable life is when we expand our circles to include all those in whom we are blessed to interact?!

I remember my mom sharing once with me that her daily goal is to leave everyone she encounters a little better for the encounter; that a smile alone could be just what they need.

Consider being even more present with all those whom you are blessed to encounter.  Look them in the eye and see them - so many just want to be seen.  And live all the more in a beautiful state of gratitude - remembering the wisdom from Anais Nin that we don’t see things as they are, but rather as we are.

As I reflect on this morning, I cut my time a little short, traffic had consumed valuable time and had it not been for the kindness and support of others, I likely would have missed my flight.  Just the serotonin alone, that we receive when we give and receive kindness in our encounters with others, is a kind of rocket fuel to elevate our experience of life - and no doubt their lives as well.

The young lady working for ‘CLEAR’ as I entered security offered a shorter route, the young man who escorted me to the TSA agent gave me clear directions, no pun intended :-), to accelerate my journey through security.  As my window to board my plane was closing, I really wanted a coffee, but the lines were long - then I saw a coffee pot sitting in a restaurant and asked the man clearing tables if I might have some coffee.  He immediately poured me plenty in my Yeti for my long flight.  These of course are the opportunities to tip even more, to recognize their extra mile and to reciprocate more meaningfully.

In the ancient text, we are called to be good stewards with our blessings.  Our life itself is at the top of our blessings list.

How are you ‘being’ with others and why?

To connect more meaningfully with others is an opportunity.  To become aware that we are all better together can help get us past the minutiae of differences.  To live in the recognition of abundance, having gratitude for our life and all those who enrich it, jumping at every opportunity to enrich others, is absolutely the best way to live our BEST LIFE EVER!!

You may remember the story that my mom was placed in outpatient hospice- being placed in hospice means your days are “really” numbered. Typically, patients are in lots of pain, weak, grouchy, and bitter. My mom lived in hospice care for over two years.  Every nurse who tended to my mom commented how her positivity till her last breath was serving them more than they were serving her. Sometimes, we are ‘gifted’ with trials not only for our character building but for the enhancement of others who couldn’t be the model we are to the ones around us. Despite her pain and suffering, my mom shared smiles and kindness with everyone around her.

This week and beyond, consider noticing even more the lives that support and enrich you.  Seek to find more opportunities to enrich the lives of others - and no doubt you will make it a great week, month, year, and life!

One BEST DAY EVER at a time!

Steve Luckenbach