Be For The People

There is great reward in leading a cause and a greater reward in having a cause succeed. Can you recall the satisfaction?

On a few occasions I can remember pioneering different ideas as a child and being completely shot down by all "responsible", well mannered" friends I had suggested them to. Those who had my back and stood by my side were usually those who had either nothing to lose, or simply loved me for my unusual, rebellious outlook on life. Conformity isn't my thing.

No different in 2012

I used to think being unique was a curse, as if I possessed an unwanted characteristic that everyone noticed in me and to my confusion always seemed to admire in me. Shunned by some and praised by others for my quirky ways and brave ideas, being a hero through being different wasn't something I would imagine possible, until today.

So there I was face to face with my director. I had heard the cry for help by my colleagues for work shirts, embroidered with the company logo and their previous applications had all met with the same perilous end - "Declined!"

It feels strange to write this because I'm not a hero and in the greater scheme of things this is quite trivial, but I made it my mission to risk rejection and rebel anyway. The past outcomes weren't mine, so why would I not attempt to try. The people had spoken and I wanted to be - for the people! I wanted to satisfy my own crazy ideas that I could be that catalyst for change, for hope a visionary and a leader.

So there I was making it my mission to sell this idea to my MD, knowing full well that he would more than likely take the same stance with me as he did the previous failed attempts by my predecessors. "Get a quote", he said. I had decided not to beg, but in my most professional and commanding tone simply stated my surprise that we hadn't done this sooner and ended with "No problem". His face told a story of its own and I exited his office with a small sense of victory. A quote, ha, victory in a quote!

When yes commands respect

The next day I stood in front of his desk with quotes in hand. Quotes for short sleeves, long sleeves, cotton and golf attire. Quotes comparing quotes and calculations indicating savings and massive mark up's. I had given the task of sourcing the shirts and embroidery to Alisha of Embroidery Heaven. Alisha is not only a good friend, but a passionate businesswoman when it comes to apparel. I knew she wouldn't let me down. I knew that in being for my 'people' I could support her as well. A win-win situation whereby the people are heard, the business is passed on and everyone is scores.

My director came to my office, all the way to the 1st floor too. He doesn't do this often. He handed me my quotes and a small yellow sticky note read, "Approved, go ahead". He had selected the best quality shirts and I thanked him for making me a hero and we high fived - twice. True story.

The staff still don’t believe I managed to get it right. I went down to them personally to share the news. "After 4 years of waiting, your shirts have been approved", I said. It gave me joy to hear their gratitude, joy to hear their joy.

Happiness through service

My story isn't one of how I saved the White Rhino from extinction neither how I managed to turn back the effects of global warming. My story is that of a simple metaphor for happiness through service. I could have shared hundreds of different times I've been for the people. Times where I've challenged management on reasons why they haven't heard the cries of those who work so hard for them, in my current job and in the past. Times where I've carried groceries up the stairs for an elderly couple. Times where I've done the right thing when turning a blind eye would have been 'easier'. This time it’s about work shirts but how many times has it been about others and not about you? How many opportunities wait for you to spread love by giving it or sharing it through change? How often have you needed a hero when you thought all hope was lost?

The joy that I feel when realising that I can help others through service has helped me time and time again to never give up on my dreams. Perhaps my life calling, which I've been told involves healing and teaching, is that of helping others realise that there's always someone ready in your corner even if it’s the most improbable dream you're dreaming, the most helpless fight you're fighting or the most unlikely of hero's in less than shining armour.

In counting your blessings and helping those around you count theirs, there is always abundance. The Universe abores a vacuum and will fill that void with something new. If you're not feeling as if you're being supported perhaps its time to either find a hero, be a hero or count your blessings.