This needed story reminded me of when I first moved to Berkeley many years ago. I wondered how I was going to relate to all the panhndlers. I couldn't give everyone all my money, but I hated the idea of looking away and rushing by as so many people do. At that time, I often stopped for a cup of coffee after I dropped my kids off at school. I decided to befriend two women who were outside of my coffee stop. I chatted with them, got to know them, and considered money for them as part of the price of my luxury coffee break. Then for the rest of the day, I could look others in the eye and say, I support C_____ and C______ at Shattuck and _____. I discovered the truth of this story: everyone thrives when authentic attention is given. I got more smiles and lit up faces than any monetary donation ever got. Since then, I practice looking people in the eye and greeting them as I pass. I've noticed how much nicer people have become over the years!
On Apr 7, 2011 susan schaller wrote :
This needed story reminded me of when I first moved to Berkeley many years ago. I wondered how I was going to relate to all the panhndlers. I couldn't give everyone all my money, but I hated the idea of looking away and rushing by as so many people do. At that time, I often stopped for a cup of coffee after I dropped my kids off at school. I decided to befriend two women who were outside of my coffee stop. I chatted with them, got to know them, and considered money for them as part of the price of my luxury coffee break. Then for the rest of the day, I could look others in the eye and say, I support C_____ and C______ at Shattuck and _____. I discovered the truth of this story: everyone thrives when authentic attention is given. I got more smiles and lit up faces than any monetary donation ever got. Since then, I practice looking people in the eye and greeting them as I pass. I've noticed how much nicer people have become over the years!