This week has been full of reminders. Not your typical daily reminders, but reminders of specific events from my past. As I continue on my personal journey to become the best version of myself that I can possibly be, I have spent countless hours dissecting my past in order to truly understand some key events that shaped me into who I am today.
Most of these events involve some form of pain or tragedy, some that were incredibly difficult to revisit at first. From failures in business and relationships, to the loss of loved ones and everything in between, although painful, there is no doubt that these reminders came from the divine and have been set before me for a very specific reason.
Surprisingly, as I waded through the waters of my past, I was not reminded of pain or failure; I was reminded of how far I’ve come. I was reminded that these events forged the path that led me right to where I stand today and, for the first time in my life, I found light within these events that once seemed as dark as the night sky. This light has provided me with the greatest of opportunities; To share it. I have a newfound duty to share this light with any and all so that they too can cast out the darkness from within.
Make no mistake, sharing this journey with you and others continues to take me far outside of my comfort zone. It puts me in a vulnerable place but that same vulnerability offers the reward of reaching and helping others. Time after time, although they might not realize it, those in need of help are in turn helping me via that very same vulnerability. It’s the same concept I shared a few weeks back when I put my spin on the “It’s better to give than to receive” quote by instead saying “When you give, you receive.”
Now let’s wade out a little further…
I bet you’re thinking “Who am I to try and help others?” or “Who would listen to me?”
Well I’ll ask you the same question. Who am I? I’ll tell you.
I am no one of consequence.
I’m not a celebrity. I hold no degree or accreditation. I’m not an expert in the field of motivational speaking or helping others. Does any of this matter? Not one bit.
It’s time that we dismiss the notion that status or accomplishment dictates or warrants the ability to reach others. Continuing to adopt this mindset will only prolong the chance to reach someone who may desperately need help. Maybe it’s someone close to you. Maybe it’s a co-worker. Maybe it’s a complete stranger. Like I always say, we never know what someone may be going through, especially these days as society has formed the opinion that being vulnerable and needing help beyond your internal capacities translates to weakness. Keep in mind, I’m not suggesting that you approach some random stranger and try to get really deep with them. They’d most likely run from you :). However, even the smallest gesture can change someone’s day. Hold the door for someone as you make eye contact and nod to them as they thank you. Pay for the meal of the person behind you in a drive-thru if you notice they look stressed or unhappy. Even the simple question “How are you today?” can cause a seismic shift in someone’s mood, especially if they’re feeling invisible in the world. In the case of a family member, friend, or co-worker: Reach out to them, ask them how they’re doing, and then… listen. Make it obvious that they have your undivided attention. No matter how strong of a fortress they’ve built around their feelings, those walls will start to come down.
Worried that you might not have the answers? Don’t be. The answers always lie within those in need of them most, they just can’t see them. Help them find them. They’re usually hiding in plain sight. If not, grab a shovel and help them dig. You’ll find them, I assure you.
So whether you look to help others or are in need of help yourself (Pro Tip: It’s usually both), don’t forget that you are qualified. Like Ed Mylett says in his book The Power of One More; “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.”
So get out there and be no one of consequence. Shed your preconceptions, find clarity in your intentions, and change someone’s life. Together, we’ll change the world.