An attitude for longevity

Sometimes an individuals attitude leaves an impact on you that changes the way you view your world,  your life, and what your role is in it.

Such is the experience I had after working a late night last week.   I stopped for a coffee and fresh-air in North East Edmonton, sitting outside a Tim Hortons around 11:00 ay night.   A few people gathered in the parking lot talking over trucks, others were finishing up late night shopping at a nearby grocery store.  I sat and observed.

One man caught my eye , as his pace of movement was a little quicker than most, more intentional and purposeful in his actions this evening.  He was picking up trash in the parking lot, pushing shopping buggies back into place, and generally 'taking care of things'

I made small talk with him as he passed my way, commenting on the nice evening, his focus in his work, and my desire for more benches and park space to enjoy evenings like this.  I learned that he has been in Edmonton for over 50 years and loves Alberta.  The accent told me he was European, so I pried a little on how long he has been in Alberta.

I was soon on my way, and stopped about a mile down the road to fuel up the truck.  A busy 7-11 had friends gathering, people coming an going,  - AND -
An elderly Italian man, emptying trash bins, picking up scattered litter, and collecting a few bottles.  He offered to remove some waist form the back of a young mans pick up truck, and was tipped a few dollars.  The old man graciously accepted and turned to notice me pumping gas.

"OH- Hello!" he said, and walked my way to empty the bins near where I was.
My impression of this man changed , from someone who was a parking lot cleaner , to realizing he covered many blocks, and worked for no single company.  A small conversation between us followed again, and I discovered that he simply wants to keep living!

At 250 pounds, and health problems in his sixties, Gabrielle decided he was going to just keep on moving, - and keep on doing, for his own sake.  He simply decided to get outside every evening and help his neighbours keep the streets clean.  he walks several miles, and gets plenty of exercise.  I watched Gabriela for only a few minutes , but he was lifting and twisting, bending and crouching, and never seemed to slow down.

Now at 75 years of age, and looking about 180 pounds, Gabrielle seemed to be enjoying his life.  He told me he enjoys mingling with people and getting outside.  He makes a few dollars with tips and bottles, but more importantly he is making an investment in himself.

I could have ignored the parking lot cleaner while I sipped my coffee, but I learned a few this about this man who has inspired me to keep moving, and keep doing - as long as I can , wherever I can.

Keep moving - Keep Doing
And make it a Great day!
~Blaine

Pay it Backwards

Making 'someones day' does not have to take elaborate efforts or a big investment of time or money.  I experienced this first hand when a total stranger showed me an act of kindness and good-will with nothing expected in return.

It was a busy morning running around getting supplies for work, and I was debating if I deserved a cool drink on this hot day.  I rarely take the drive-thru , but rather choose to walk into a store.  But on this day I opted for the Tim Hortons drive thru , and was going to treat myself to a medium Ice-Cap drink.

I paid no special attention to the car in front of me or who was driving, I think it was a light coloured SUV, but it may have also been a neutral toned minivan.  As mentioned , it was just an drab routine day, with nothing elaborate on the go.

The only slight item I noticed from the car in front of me, is that the driver did not take any change, she shared a bit of small talk with the host, a bill was handed over , and with a slight wave of the wrist - it drove away . . . .

I pulled up next , ready to hand over my money , but instead the cool drink was handed to me, and  was informed that this is "already taken care of" - Huh? - I asked? , what do you mean?

"The lady already paid for it"  ....  Who? - - "The lady in front,  she already pay for it".

I was both stumped and shocked .. In my left hand I help a cool Ice-Cap,  in my right a $5 bill.  The host was smiling a big grin and was giving me permission to drive away..

As I did - I saw the car from in front turn the corner and disappear.  I paused for a second , waiting for a friend to jump out of the bush, or a stranger introduce them self,  But none of this happened, rather cars drove past,  people walked along - and the day continued as if nothing interesting had just occurred.    I had nothing more to do than continue my day and enjoy my free drink.

I wondered for a long while what drove the person in front of me to gift me with this?  Why did I use the drive-thru rather than walk up today?, and does that person realize how this token gift impacted me today?   I drove the rest of my trip with a smirk on my face,  a glow in my heart , and a new faith in humanity. WOW! - that was nice! , I thought.  and grinned and smiled and felt very special indeed.

Thank you anonymous Gifter - you made me smile, brought joy into my day. By paying 'backwards' to the person behind you in line, you payed a lot of joy forward to a guy who is rarely on the receiving end.

Now go out and make it a great day!,

Smile on the gifts you receive, and pay it 'backwards' when you next feel the urge.

~Blaine