Thread by @by_aoc

Happy Saturday, y'all!
Tonight is my last night at the paycheck job lol before I take my short loa.. last night was brutal lol not gonna lie. But, let me share with you why I'm so looking forward to going.

My co-workers are mostly in the 19-22 year old range. A handful of folks my age and older. Then a few in between.
But, regardless of their age, they've all pretty much chosen the same nickname for me. 'Mama Linda'

I'm blessed with unlimited smiles and hugs from people who are genuinely happy to see me. Over and over I hear "Mama I'm so glad you're here! I've been dying to tell you what happened the other day!"

Whether the news is good or bad, they each know I'll actively listen, and respond with either a loving hug and a few empathetic and encouraging words. Or, demonstrative joy and excitement. And those powerful words many had never said to them. "I'm SO proud of you!"

When I first started working there, no one really knew quite how to take me. It's a very face paced, stressful work environment, which had an incredibly high turnover rate, and the misery was so thick it was uncomfortable, to say the least.

And in I walk. A smile from ear to ear from 'punch in to punch out' cracking jokes, saying over and over again "take a breath, it's gonna be okay" and "y'all this long list of work is gonna be there regardless, why not have a little fun while we get it done?"

It was pretty obvious that I was the odd duck in this pond lol but, on I pressed. Bringing the same positive energy, and bubbly, silly personality, each and every day.

I made it a point to say Hi to every person working each day, ask how they're doing (and wait for an answer), and give them each a few words of encouragement to take with them. As simple as "we got this!" With a smile and a fist bump.

And each day before I left, I'd congratulate everyone with genuine excitement.. "hey, y'all! We did it! Great job!"
It only took a couple of weeks before the "this lady is crazy" looks began to change into wide eyes of excitement when I walked in the door.

"I'm so happy to see you" was something I started to hear, not just say. People had more initiative to notice what needed to be done, instead of waiting to be told, and a lot more laughter worked it's way into their routine. Even the most stubborn few, eventually joined in.

Last night I let everyone know that I'd be out for a while. That I'd miss seeing their smiles every day, and whatever heartwarming quirk each of them brought with them. But, that I was so hopeful that this procedure allow me to be full of joy, without pain standing in my way.

They were all shocked, concerned, etc. None of them knew I was dealing with anything outside work. But, as I explained to them, I don't get paid to bring my problems here. I get paid to bring the attitude and ability that best represents this company's mission.

Then I added that the very best thing they could do to help me during recovery is to keep this amazing atmosphere and momentum going in my absence. So I don't have to start over when I get back lol
I'm actually confident that they'll work hard to do that.

I live just around the corner from work. Literally 1/5th of a mile lol. And every one of them knows my house, and my phone number, and several offered to stop over and bring some pizza or sweep my front porch (the trees have been bare for weeks, but these leaves still appear! 🤣)

The moral of the story is this. Every single one of us has the opportunity to change something that needs to be changed simply by bringing genuine positive energy and hope in there. If it's not something that comes easily for you, work on that first.

The world is so full of misery. And misery sure does love company. But, so does joy. And, many folks don't realize just how infectious joy can be if we carry it with us wherever we go.

Don't spend so much time ranting about what you despise. Putting it out there only feeds it's power.
Instead, focus on what you'd like to see instead. Then get your ass in gear, and do your small part to help change it.

Does childhood hunger make your blood boil? Volunteer at an organization that reduces food insecurity in your area.
Is youth violence your hot spot? Volunteer at a youth center to help make a positive difference in someone's life.

Does abortion break your heart? Volunteer at an org that helps single pregnant women get on their feet, get the community support they need, bring em to church, etc.. so they don't feel so alone and terrified, and feel abortion is their only option.

Do you feel angry about the perpetuation of victimhood in America? Volunteer for an organization that helps empower people to learn a skilled trade, gain confidence, and work toward Independence.

Angered by kids being disowned for being LGBTQ? Become an honorary Mom or Dad to those kids. There are local and national orgs just for this. I actually do this one! I'm an honorary Mom to three kids. And, I go to Pride events & give free hugs to anyone that wants or needs one.

Abused animals? Become a foster or volunteer at a Humane Society. Homeless population make you sad? Volunteer at a shelter or church. Pissed about your neighbors overgrown grass? Ring their doorbell! They may be in a crisis & need help, or just mow their lawn for them!

Trite as it may be, Ghandi said it best "You must BE the change you want to see in the world."
I want people to smile, look on the bright side, laugh, relax a bit, and know they're loved. So, I try to live my life doing what I can to do that. For as few or as many as I can.

I'm not perfect. I have a temper that I SERIOUSLY need to work on. I'm very sensitive, insecure, and have sometimes paralyzing periods of depression and anxiety. Twitter helps me "fake it 'til I make it at times. And, at times allows me to avoid the shit I really need to do!

But, I've had to learn to build my own love army™ full of positive, uplifting people's who can tell me when it's time to get some help, but still love me through it. So that I can be the ME I need to be. And we all need that. And deserve that.
~Find and be the good in life ❤️