Welocme to a New Week, 2/14/21, Choices that Connect You to Your Light, Your Energy

 

A Snapshot of Love in Brooklyn

Wanting to feel a mild coolness of winter on my face and breathe in as much fresh air as possible through my face mask, I took a walk and, later, found myself sitting on a public bench. 

Not long after sitting, I happened to look over and saw a couple traversing a salted, icy, stretch of ground a ways from me.  Both were dressed for the weather in black winter coats, and the lady was carrying a handbag in addition to a large, rectangular shaped, shopping bag. 

At the moment I looked over at them,  the woman, who appeared older and made me think of my mother, had her right arm threaded under and over the left elbow of her male companion, as she took slow, deliberate, steps. When they reached a smoother section of ground, she let go, but, seconds later, once again threaded her arm with his elbow. 

Her companion’s focus was also on the salted, icy segments of ground. But something about his stride and presence felt, steady. And the relaxed confidence with which he stepped, had me entertaining the thought that he, possibly, held back in order to match her pace.

There was something lovely about watching them as they made the journey together, connected at the elbows. Then there was something lovely in the brief moment when they weren’t physically connected, but walked side by side. But even more lovely, perhaps because I’d been observing them for some time, was bearing witness to her reaching out, and without either of them looking at the other, and without him needing to stretch or proffer his elbow, he was right there, in the right place, naturally providing strength and contributing to balance. 

My Final Thoughts on the Result of Impeachment Trial #2. Cheering. You. On.

As much as you can, refuse to meet fear with fear. Acknowledge the fear when it shows up in front of you and choose to reflect back your determination to consistently make choices-- however "big" or "small"-- that'll continue to contribute to your healing.  And I'm talking, a true feeling sense of healing.  Yes, it can be work.  But aren't you worth it?  I think so. Cheering. You. On.

Reasons for Looking at the Ground When Outside, Walking

Years ago, I was out walking with a friend and she cautioned me about looking at the ground. I explained to her that I did it to avoid stepping in something unfortunate. But I understood her concern. Thing is, when out in the world, I do try to take it all in: the ground, my surroundings, the pathway ahead of me. Another reason for looking at the ground is to assist in executing sure footing--the possibility of tripping out there in the world is a very real thing. And a third reason I've found since that years ago convo is, there’s a chance of finding money. Like this $20 I found today.

In other news, grateful for this symbol of abundance showing up for me today :)

PS- I’ve added it to the $10 bill I found back in September. They’re both in a cup, housing some other things, on my table. I haven’t felt inclined to use the $10, and that’s very different from the found money of years past. Although, if they were housed in my pocket I’d probably use them sooner than later. But I also like the idea of collecting found money until there’s something special I want to use it for...

Welcome to a New Week, 2/8/21 Adventures and Shenanigans, Cheering .You. On.

 

Your Level of Engagement, Matters

Remember that time you were on the receiving end of an engaging salutation? When a genuine "Hello!" encouraged your desire to continue connecting?

 

Whether over the phone or in person, engagement from the start makes an impression and can, potentially, help set the tone for the exchange to follow. I say, "potentially", because, “It takes two to make a thing go right. It takes two to make it outta sight.” (Shout out to Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock.)

 

Years ago, I was hired as a Spunky Cashier for a Tex-Mex style restaurant. The ad specifically stated, “Spunky Cashier.”

 

It was the summer following my graduation from undergrad. There were always two cashiers on duty and a prep line of 3 or 4-- the latter including a few mischief-loving guys hailing from Senegal. The cashiers were trained to be friendly and extend genuine “Hellos” to anyone who came through the door. Before this, my last job was during high school as a Library Page in one of the local public libraries. I loved it. But I spent more time with my cart of books than I did in one-to-one patron interactions. My time as a Spunky Cashier impressed upon me the importance of how one engages with a potential customer right from the start.  Even the most mischievous of the prep line was famous for calling out, "Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!” in his enthusiastic, charming, musical way. 

 

Fast forward through the years, and I continue to work primarily as a customer service professional, living an Earth school reality where I am also on the receiving end of customer service interactions. And perhaps it’s my customer service background, but when I walk into a business or call one up on the phone, I notice if someone says, "Hello" or how the "Hello" is proffered.

 

The other day, I interacted with representatives from three different businesses (two over the phone, one in person); at the end of the day, I was still singing the praises of two out of the three. One took place at a local FedEx.  From the moment I walked in, Kevin W. engaged and radiated, relaxed warmth.

 

Kevin W: “Hello! How can I help you?"

Me: “Hi, I need to print some documents.”

 

In these Pandemic times, self-service not being an option, I gave him my USB; he took care of the printing.  After the first prints, he asked if he could show me a different type of paper. Though game, I was sure I would stick with the original plain white. 

I ended up liking his suggestion better.

 

He also sold me a folder (I had not planned on getting one, but I also never felt forced).

 

Then, at the end, quite unexpectedly, he gave me a discount. And there was banter throughout our entire exchange.  Before leaving the store, I went online and gave him a review.

 

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve submitted a customer service review of someone. And I’ve never been compelled to give a review while still in the store. Never. But I did so for Kevin W. because the entirety of his level of engagement felt so genuine. And it all began the moment I walked in, and he said, “Hello!”

 

As a customer, I am paying attention to your energy.  Whether you are aware of it or not, it communicates volumes.

 

Over the phone or in person, I will notice if you say, “Hello” and I will notice how you say, “Hello.”

 

From start to finish, I will notice your level of engagement with me.

 

And this isn’t limited to customer service interactions.

 

For all Earth school interactions? Your level of engagement, matters. 

Gratitude for the Good and the Growth on 2/3/21

 It ended up being a day of gratitude—the type that just jumps effortlessly to the forefront of both my mind and my emotions, both in the moment of its unfolding and, later, during the mental replay. 

I booked three doctor’s appointments using a new insurance provider and because there were different levels of newness to the process for me, I perceived it as somewhat difficult in some parts and then that perception created hurdles going into it. But, ultimately, 1) it all got accomplished, 2) I recognize that my brain and my perception benefitted from the seeming challenge, and 3) I felt like I had signs of encouragement that helped me all along the way.

At one point, I almost gave in to not speaking up about something.  I’d already made the appointment and had hung up despite feeling the inner nudge to give voice to a request.  Well, a few minutes later, I called back. The phone rang and rang and rang.  I’m talking the kind of prolonged ringing where, had this been the first time around, I might have thrown in the towel.  But as it wasn’t the first time around, I held on to that towel, determined more than ever to follow through (Admittedly, at some point, I may have secretly prayed for the option of voicemail).  Eventually, the receptionist picked up and I asked my question.  She placed me on hold.  Minutes later, she was back on to say they couldn’t carry out my request.  I was disappointed.  BUT at least I had asked, and that was much more important to me; giving voice to inner nudges, not swallowing my words when I can clearly sense that speaking up is the healthiest action step I can take.

The request had been could they get the paperwork from my last provider instead of my having to copy and paste the info (from a portal I thought they had access to), and then print it out and bring it with me?  I don’t have a printer.  I’d always printed from the library or at work.  But due to the pandemic, those options weren’t available.  Some time passed before I remembered there was a FedEx I’d seen on some of my walks.  So, I copied and pasted the necessary information to a word doc, saved it to a USB and made my way to FedEx. 

With the heavy snowfall from the last two days, navigating the streets was a bit of an obstacle course; how do I get to the other side of that mountain of snow; how deep exactly is that murky snow puddle?  But I did it! And then the time spent at the FedEx was actually quite awesome! I had a wonderful interaction with Kevin W., the man who attended to me, and later with two of his supervisors.  I enjoyed the exchange with Kevin W., so much so, that I stayed in the store until I’d finished putting through an online review of my experience with him.  I’ve never done that before—given an online review of my interactions with a customer service representative while still in the store.  But I'd enjoyed it so much :) 

I added the exchange to my gratitude list for the day 😊

Welcome to a New Week 2 1 21 Nurture Your Inner Peace

Welcoming you into a new week :) Wishing you all the good, all the growth, and your conscious connection to everything that'll help you with navigating the hard.