In times of personal crisis

One of the most rewarding things I do is volunteer at a local hospital.  I know this blog is NOT about me, but I simply must share how good the volunteer experience is.  I see men and women from their teen years up into their senior years (there was actually a women in her mid 90s volunteering until recently) doing all sorts of tasks around the hospital.

 

Occasionally I have encountered visitors or patients crying in the hospital hallways.  The other day I saw a familiar face, a lady I have run into several times.  The very first time I saw her she asked for a hug.  Now she tells people I'm a good hugger.  This time she had tears.  Her husband is nearing the end of his life.  I listened.  I wish I could have done more.  Sometimes just quietly listening is helpful.  I saw her again a few hours later.  She was smiling,  Her husband was going home that day and the doctor had referred them to a hospice program.  I listened to her news and then we hugged again.

 

There are happy moments, like when someone is healed from injury or when a new baby is born, but all too often I meet people in times of personal crisis.  I try to help as best I can, but there are times when I don't think I have done enough.  We have a small gift shop that is staffed by volunteers.  Information is given to visitors at the front desk and at other locations by volunteers.  The other day a doctor stopped me in a hall just to say thanks.  He told me he is grateful for volunteers and all the things we do.  It's true that we do many tasks all around the hospital, but I really like being in the hallways, whether transporting a patient to be discharged, hearing a compliment from a physician, or giving a hug to a worried wife.

 

Hospitals can be difficult places, but I will keep volunteering.  I think volunteers make a difference.  It's not just what we give.  We also get such a good feeling back!

Surprise!

Even though this blog is NOT about me, today being my birthday (I won't say which one), it seems like I should surprise everyone and make an exception.  From time to time I do say a bit about myself, but rather than sharing pictures of my various activities and tales of the many events I take part in, the purpose here is to be uplifting and encouraging about doing good in the world and coming up with more and more ways to make a difference.  I prefer to be but a humble tool in the process and to save the spotlight for the real heroes who are making a difference every single day.

It being my birthday though, I would like to offer some thanks to all of you who read these words.  It really brightens my days to know that folks do actually end up on this page.  The clicker says that someone comes, but it doesn't tell me who you are or what you are thinking of course, so do feel free to leave some comments!  It also doesn't tell me if you actually read this stuff, so you comments will help with that too!  Oh and if anything I ever write actually motivates you to get out there and do something, you couldn't possibly have me a greater gift! 

Each year I raise funds for AIDS Walk San Francisco and for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk and I want to give thanks for all the people who have sponsored me there too!  There are a few other organizations I want to mention, because they mean so much to me: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus, San Francisco Community Health Center, and Transgender Law Center. Any gift to them would always be a marvelous thing!

I love surprises, so do feel free to surprise me any time by giving to someone else.  Surprise me with the best gift of all - love for others!

summertime kindness

It's the middle of the summer. The days are hot. VERY hot in some places.  People are in a hurry to get to their vacation spots.  Along the way, some folks get a little short-tempered.  Many of us are frustrated by stories in the news.  In the midst of all of this, it really is a great time to practice some random acts of kindness!

Tell people in your life why you love them.  Make a point of finding the name of a store employee and then praise him or her through that company’s corporate office.  Pay for the meal of the person behind you in the drive-through.  Bring flowers to work and share them with coworkers.  As you go about your day, pick up trash.  Donate blood.  When drivers try to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile.  Call or visit a homebound person.  Pay a compliment at least once a day.

 

These are just a few ideas.  Use your imagination.  The list really can be endless!  Summer of course isn't endless, and in a month or so, as summer winds down, let's let our kindness continue winding up!

You want an award?

Those favorites who entertain us are rewarded with Tonys, Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes, and other recognition.  We give awards to our students in school.  Some jobs give special praise to employees.  How about the masses of society?  I think we need one more big award for those everyday people among us who truly make a difference in our world.

The architect who designed your workplace might have incredible skills, but does the general public hear about it?  How about your daughter's third grade teacher?  The person who served you those fries and burgers at your favorite fast food place might be incredible, but does he get acknowledged for it?  During this pandemic there are many people who are stepping up and doing amazing things, but are we hearing about them?

I love how some television stations do hometown heroes features, but I'm not talking about just those who rise to that level.  I'm thinking more of the "best waitress I have ever been served by" or the preeminent delivery driver or the unrivaled parking lot attendant.  There are people in this world who make a difference every day by simply being outstanding at the work they do and the way they interact with others.  Don't you think that is award worthy?

this month of August

Whether you enjoy the month of August or not depends largely on where you live, how old you are, and a number of other factors.  I know that many love it because of the vacations that so often take place this month.  I have personally always loved August because it is my birth month, but of course this is NOT about me. 

Is this a time when folks are likely to be doing those kind of inspiring things I like to write about here?  Well, indeed there may be a dip, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Doing good things should never take a holiday!

Be kind.  Do good.  Never give up.  Is it too hot?  Take good care of yourself.  Don't spend too much time in the sun and be sure to stay hydrated.  Enjoy this month of August and help others enjoy it too.