Today I got another long term client, an older woman who has fallen down and hurt her hip and shoulder and can't do a lot of things for herself. Her daughter has been saying to her, "Mom, you gotta find someone to help you." So I'll be working for this woman three hours a week, gardening, - and this part I couldn't help because she needed me - mopping her kitchen floor and vacuuming. ... I wasn't thinking I wanted to do house work, but she was so grateful to have found me I couldn't refuse... I'm sure that the stuff about "Mom you gotta find someone to help you" is just a precursor to: "Maybe you should think about selling the house and moving into a retirement home." So it feels good that my working for this woman will be buying her some time before she has to do that. :)
I told a friend about it this evening, and she replied back saying it was wonderful and kind of me, and that I was an angel, that we reap what we sow, and that good deeds are rewarded....
Now, I'm feeling pretty good about myself, but not that good. I don't think I've done something special enough that it deserves such praise, and certainly not something so great that I should let that praise go to my head. I was just being a decent human being, and after all, I will be getting paid for the work I do. My good feeling came simply from being in a position that allowed me to exercise my own principles, but that's all it is, principles.
I'm not looking for a reward. I already got it. I feel good about my decision and I'm sure it will be appreciated, and that's all I need.
That's all anyone should need, don't you think?
I absolutely agree :)
ReplyDeleteYou're able to offer her the things that she can no longer do and like you said, it could be buying her some extra time in a house and a place that she loves. I think picking up some indoor work makes good business sense too. You have winter time up there right? ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Gypsy! :)
ReplyDeleteJude you have a good point; yep, it's a mutually rewarding arrangement. :)
I'm sure that you'll have more clients in a similiar position because that's really a good part of what your venture is aimed at? Work that people can't do for themselves? I think that we all do what we do for a reason. I'm sure that you could have chosen to pursue a business that was purely $$$ oriented but you chose to do something that helps people and that speaks volumes. QRx
ReplyDeleteDon't underestimate principals for without principals the world would collaspe into a very bad state indeed. Well done you. I'm sooo pleased for you m'dear TFxx
ReplyDeleteI sometimes take some biscuits to an old neighbour, she makes me a coffee. She has someone to talk to and tells me she is grateful, I get to speak bad French. I am glad that you can both feel good about this arrangement. So well done both of you! Best wishes Blu x
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think sometimes we have to do the right thing because it's the right thing and that's enough.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely to hear you feeling so positive about yourself. I think she has helped you as much as you have helped her.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter, my dear friend
Rose you are so sweet, what you wrote brought tears to my eyes... But I have to confess, I was just wanting to work when I started my handy woman business, and I'm pretty sure if I had known how, I would have went with the $$$ making self employment. :( The helping people and feeling good because of it is a bonus I didn't foresee. Though I will say, because of it I am happy I chose to do what I am doing; it's giving me back my self respect, and no amount of money can buy that. :)
ReplyDeleteTF, I don't under estimate principles, I actually expect them from everyone, as well as myself. ... I'm not such an angel after all.
Blu, now you are an angel! There are just some things money can't buy, and what you do is one of them. ... Sorry I don't mean to embarrass you, but I just can't help myself. SMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOCH! :)
Yep Helen it is. :)
Annie, I think she has too, and I haven't even had the chance to get to know her yet. This whole gardening business has been very good for me. It's not only reminding me of some things that I admire about myself, I'm getting to act on my principles and values, and that's something I haven't had the ability to do in a very long time. :)
This is such a great post to read.
ReplyDeleteNot many people can come home from work, knowing they've made someone else's life markedly easier.
And I love hearing that you're feeling good about yourself. Rightly so:-) x
Thank you Lane; ... I don't have much else to say in response; just smiling a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteXX