I feel more appreciated over the past three months than at any other point in my life.
Thank you.
Where do I start? I didn’t know picking up my stop sign and whistle would completely change my life.
Starting my outdoor job was a godsend. Blessed in the fresh air of a beautiful community, away from corporate corruption, coworker drama and the myriad of futile attempts to please perpetually ungrateful supervisors – who never cared how far backwards their employees bent, nor how many hoops they jumped through – I have finally found my peace.
This was only the beginning. I soon discovered the therapeutic and healing power of being warmly welcomed, not only into but as part of the community.
Many years ago, I taught swimming lessons at the local community centre. In a way, it feels like returning home. I ran into familiar faces, was recognized by several lovely individuals who I had the pleasure of working with, in the past, caught up and reminisced about our former days.
Meeting new people, being invited to community events, hearing their stories, being appreciated for who I am and what I do, completely turned around what was a particularly difficult season, in my life, stretched out over the past year.
Being a Crossing Guard is the best job I’ve ever had. Aside from it working wonders and being amazing for my mental health, the appreciation received each day by those crossing my path is deeply life-affirming. I am showered with smiles, “thank yous,” “good mornings,” “have a nice days” and much more.
One of the most memorable compliments I’ve heard is that I “slay” with my stop sign. I may be 35, but I’m honestly just a big, grown-up, nerdy kid. I felt like a hero that day. It’s these little moments in life that truly mean everything.
A sister and brother remind me to “stay golden,” each day. I’ve been approached by parents and thanked for what I do. I was invited to ask if I ever need anything, such as using the bathroom, from those living in the area.
The kindness extends into receiving coffee, tea, water, snacks, cards, gift cards, drawings, occasional phone numbers, plus more. People smile and wave, stop by and chat for a few minutes, exchanging those human moments that honestly make all the difference in someone’s day.
I smile and wave at almost everyone passing by, whether they are pedestrians, drivers or animals.
Several people remarked that I am always seemingly happy. A few asked why, so I shared Gandhi’s “be the change you wish to see in the world” quote with them.
I’m not actually always happy, but I don’t need to be in order to smile at someone. My smile is a wish to you, a greeting and what I offer in comfort, as we’re all passing through the days and lives that continue challenging us. It’s my way of encouraging you to keep going, simply because I know first-hand, how much I’ve needed that throughout my own lifetime.
We contend with the human condition daily and life has a way of knocking us down, more frequently than we like to admit. Oftentimes, we are discouraged. We become tired, misunderstood, hurt, depressed, anxious and more, enough to fill a lengthy list.
Frequently, part of this problem is stepping back and forth while fixated on either the past or future. The future doesn’t exist, the past is gone, while the present is eternal.
All that is and matters is here now. It is real.
Presence, individually or as a state, is a gift. One that encompasses an understanding and perspective that surpasses the limited confines of both past referential or future anticipatory rumination. It provides a liberating clarity. I’ll save this subject for later as it benefits from a separate, dedicated post.
Barely scratching the surface, I remain more or less speechless. This job, community and my experience have brought me the peace and fulfillment I have long missed in my life. It’s incredible simply thinking about it, especially considering how it makes up for all those previous years in other workplaces.
I’m excited to wake up in the morning and go to work. I genuinely love my job and being there. Now that summer break is here, the kids and I have a couple of months off. I think this is the first time in my life I actually miss working.
Sure, I’ve got my website, am scheduling podcast interviews and have a book to write, yet… I have grown accustomed to my daily interaction with the community; one that seems to appreciate me as much as I appreciate them. One where I feel a sense of belonging.
Thank you, everyone. I am truly blessed.
The Point of Meaning 