My Hat Tips to You

Grabbing the moment, my fingers quickly plucked the keyboard. Reflective thoughts were swirling, thoughts that gladden the heart like the delicate scent of lilac or the smell of freshly mowed grass. Except they are about all of you – family, friends and personal associates. I also need to include those valued clients who have given me the special privilege of working with them. Learning from everyone, I have encountered the depths and the heights of life experiences. Growing. Learning. And harvesting an overflowing bounty.

Yet my life has not been one of singular effort.

The stomping ground in my earlier years was in a colonial town, not on a remote island. Growing up was not a solitary endeavor using only my wits to thrive on oysters and island coconuts. Instead, I was planted on a small street in in the historic northeast. There, I encountered an abundance of concepts and ideas and was influenced by many individuals who crossed my path. Although often lonely, I was never alone.

Moving ahead in life, there were those who walked beside me who encouraged and guided. They helped me “to become.”

Yet, I did not always see life this way. I am woman and quite unshakable! I could pioneer through brush, get scratched and bruised, but not become unraveled. I could and would do this life thing.

So I thought, until one day I found myself clueless.

I had been happily employed when abruptly the position ended. I was confused and angry. I figured this would be just a little setback—I would find another job. It can’t be that hard, right? After all, it is really just a numbers game. Determined, I refreshed my resume, printed it on quality paper and sent it out to dozens of places. Then I waited … and waited some more. I even visited favored agencies, sitting for hours in waiting rooms, only to be turned away.

Not a single bite.

I decided to expand my networking effort. This is just a nice- sounding way to make oneself an utter nuisance, such that any work inquiries would send people away, tripping over their feet. But who needs these folks anyway?

The employment office was next. Well, actually it really was first. I needed a break from standing in lines for days and days. Hearing I had the wrong information… that I needed additional material. Or are you sure you are even entitled? Then came denial upon denial followed by several appeals. What? I had baited the employment hook, but there was no lovely sea bass. Instead my car was was leaking oil, bills sat on the table unopened and there were moths flying out of my refrigerator.

But I am woman! Things will work out.

Unexpectedly my doorbell rang. I invited in a friend whom I hadn’t seen for sometime. He wore a huge smile and his hands animated his words. There was an open position where he worked … and it was just what I could do… except it was an hour and a half away… but we could share the driving. I would need to go there and meet the director. Was I interested?

Yes, you bet I was!

It turned into one of best positions I ever experienced.

However, this is only one instance of encountering such a valuable life lesson. There were many more. Personal power kicked in with strong resistance. Why? Because receiving help from others can be downright humbling. But yielding from personal pride is essential. One can reap wonderful benefits from an outreach of genuine support and interest. The door was opened for me to step into new possibilities … and appreciate. I came to realize the greatest resources surrounded me in “the value” of each other.

And the best part is that this experience can play forward as an acting opportunity for reciprocity— I can be of help too.

My hat tips for you.

…and that’s how I live it.