Paying it forward with gratitude

Ophelia Hardisty
May 12, 2020
3 min read

When I started blogging, my goal was to write a blog for each day of lock-down which at the time was going to be 21 days. Today it is day 47 with no end in sight!

Initially I was concerned whether or not I would have enough “content”, but turns out, there is lots to “talk about”! I am however struggling with “time”, as writing is not a 5 minute “thing”. It actually does take a lot “out of one” especially when you are still working, allergic to dust which means cleaning at least once a week, trying to be a baker, gardener, maintain a certain level of fitness, coach, mediate, keep up with current events without going crazy, catch up with friends, family and clients. It is a long list, which I know you can relate to!

I spoke to a client this morning, whom I had lunch with a couple of days prior to lock-down. At the time we were contemplating whether or nor we should be breaking bread together, but in hindsight, we are grateful that we did! She is going through so much, having been put on temporary lay off, yet she is still so positive, spending her days volunteering at her local soup kitchen. Even with no income, she is looking at the positive side in that she still has a roof over her head and that things could be a lot worse! I am absolutely blown away by her positivity! I had to “run off” to a Zoom meeting, but I promised to call her again tomorrow.

Yesterday I did a goal setting coaching session with a friend, whom is also going through a rough time. She did a check in on me and after chatting to her about her situation, I knew that I had to do my bit and help her find clarity and gain direction with her goals. It is the least that I can do. Even though she herself is now also jobless, she drops off baked bread and soup on a weekly basis at another friend struggling financially.

As I am writing this blog, I am reminded about a friend whom loves reading my blog and every now and again she would message me with content suggestions. Her one suggestion was to blog around how do we help and where do we chose to help during times of crises. She has a local pub which used to be her “go to hangout” prior to lock-down. She donated some money so that they could pay their staff.

With all of us going through this storm together, I am very much aware that the way that we ride each wave is very different to the next person. The size of our ship, the direction of our sails, the height of our wave. Yes, we might be in the same storm, but our ship is VERY different!

I have continued to pay my Eve on a monthly basis, I add on a donation to my bi-weekly shopping, I am coaching pro bono. I have cleaned out cupboards and have created a “donation pile”. To me, this is not enough, but this is however all I can manage right now.

Are you “giving back”, paying it forward, whether it be in money or time?

My client of this morning, whom I can call a friend, said that what little she can do to help others she will do and that she will never look at the “homeless” the same again. She is taking nothing for granted as she still has a lot to be thankful for. That really threw me for a loop!