How many people have you helped today, yesterday, in the past week? I know what you are thinking—you are confident that you have helped someone, somehow. So what was it? How long does it take for you to come up with the answer? We are all so quick in offering help but are we as quick in actually following through?
I was asked today who have I helped? On the surface, my answer is very easy—I help people everyday with their healthcare needs, after all, I am a nurse practitioner. This, however, is not how I define help because this is my job, what I am expected to do. My definition of the word “help” is to assist someone without feeling I should be rewarded in any way for my good deed. My reward is the feeling of satisfaction it brings me.
Let me give you an example. Last week I wanted to get something special for a friend of mine for her birthday. I thought I would have time during the week to buy a gift but, due to my half timers (remember only half the time), I forgot. On the way to my friends house, I ran into the store to get my gift, rushing because I was afraid I may be late to her house. I was walking quickly down the aisle and I see this woman in a wheelchair who is looking up. As I passed her on the way to check out, I wondered if she needed any help. I knew that if I would hurry up and pay I would not be late to my friend’s. I thought for a second, trying to justify the fact that she could have asked me for help if she needed it, and I turned around, walked up to her and asked if she needed any assistance. She smiled, thanked me, and asked if I could get her something from the top shelf. I handed her what she needed, and then I asked her if she needed anything else from the store. She said no and thanked me again for my kindness. I left the store feeling as if I made a difference and that made me feel great—this little act of kindness.
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