Go the extra mile...it's never crowded

Some days my job is overwhelming. Not the work. The nature of the work. Imagine going to work EVERY day knowing, without a doubt, every person you meet is struggling. Or they think they are struggling.

It is what I am supposed to do and where I am supposed to be. This I believe with all of my heart. No pretending it is easy though. I have seen so many people cry. I have seen many people very angry. I have even had a couple escorted out of the building! Sometimes they break my heart, other times infuriate me. More than once I have taken a "time out" in the stair well. Fending off a fit of rage or a panic attack.

I made a promise to myself day one of this job. I will make it public here and anyone who reads this can hold me to it. The day I can no longer treat people with dignity and respect is the day I will resign.

Do people lie? Absolutely. Do people accept help they are not entitled to any longer when their situations change? You bet. Do others desperately need someone to listen, just for a few minutes. Are others living in desperation, not quite sure how they will feed their children to night? Unfortunately yes.

Several FB friends have recently posted something to the effect of "you know me, but you don't know it all". Essentially saying don't judge. Until you have been there, YOU DON'T KNOW.

I wish to share an interaction I had. This is not meant to be self promoting. I am however, proud of the comments I received. It let me know that I am in the right place and at least occasionally doing the right things. I also want you to know that each time you make an effort, you do make a difference.

"Randi, this changes my life, my family's life...I can imagine you could have a job/career anywhere with higher pay. But, I don't know that you could ever have a career that has the potential to really change a family. I am so thankful to you, for your help and most of all for going the extra mile. I have a quote in my workspace that says...Go the extra mile. It's never crowded. - Executive speechwriter newsletter. This is you."

I am blessed. Sometimes I have to remind myself, but I truly always know. Take a moment, make a phone call, smile and nod, follow your heart. You won't be sorry.

I shared how I made an impression. A brief account of someone completely blowing me away. Proves you never know what someone else's day has been like or what they have faced. I had a rough day recently and couldn't go home. Had to go to the basketball game. I was standing at the corner of the court and a member of the Varsity boys team came running up to me, grabbed me, gave me a hug and a huge grin and said "Thank you!". Stunned, I said "for what?" He said "For doing the things you do." And with that he was back with the team warming up. I stood there looking silly with tears in my eyes. He has no idea how he blessed me with his random act of kindness. I sure did need it!

Life is hard, but life is good. Much love.