Eights overnights in the last few weeks
More than 15,000 miles traveled
Jet lag because of being in several different time zones
Extreme weather variances from sweltering 90+ degrees to windshield ice
A stomach virus the night before a presentation
Getting soaked in a torrential rainstorm before boarding for a long flight
Poor me, right? Wrong.
Admittedly I initially had to fight the “why me” syndrome. But a little perspective reminded me of how good life is for me particularly when I compare myself to those who have lost a lot more recently.
I have a home that didn’t receive any storm damage. None of my travel was affected or even delayed by the extreme weather. I am healthy and active. I really love the opportunities to educate leaders through my speaking.
But in light of the recent storms in this country, I am encouraged by the creativity and resourcefulness of those who lack the comforts they usually enjoy. It gives me hope when I see the efforts being made to help the hurricane victims with meeting their basic needs:
· A friend is collecting pillows, sleeping bags, and books that she will deliver to children in Western North Carolina where her family continues to live without electricity and water.
· A teenager in our neighborhood who solicited donations from her neighbors and then collected and filled a carload full of water to be delivered to storm victims.
· College students I know who are spending their fall break to assist with cleanup efforts in the areas hardest hit.
· A young pregnant woman with three kids preparing 3 meals a day for relief workers and not charging anyone for those meals.
· People posting inspiring stories of the efforts made by their organizations to help with supplies and donations.
Maybe like me, you’ve had a few minor setbacks recently. Maybe you have even asked the question “why me?. Maybe a better question right now would be “why not me” or “how can I help?”
Whether it’s offering to help co-workers rethink a challenging situation or supporting victims of natural disasters, a little perspective might prove to be valuable right now.
