The other day, my entirely impressive, incredibly kind mentor wrote me a stellar letter of recommendation. After reading it, I thanked him profusely and his response was
It's not a problem. The good you'll do in the world will repay us back a millionfold.
This man's faith in me both frightens and inspires me. It's frightening because right now, I'm staring down unemployment and a dwindling back account. I have nightmares about eating ramen noodles and I often wonder if my experiences have really only crafted me for job ringing up Bud Light at the local gas station. It's frightening because although I'm burdened by the bad in the world, I'm not sure how to start chirping in good and I'm definitely insecure in my ability to do so when I'm struggling to get even a job interview right now. It's inspiring because perhaps this wholly awesome man sees something in me that I have yet to see in myself. Maybe, this waiting period is a time to un-tap potential or commence an entirely new journey of self-discovery. My mentor's expectation of me to "repay" him by "doing good" ignites in me a sense of responsibility.
Right now, I feel like I have little to offer anyone, but I'm reminded that goodness doesn't have to come in the realm of money or gifts. Doing good can come in conversations and offers of time and hellos to strangers. Maybe this period of unemployment and heightened anxiety is actually just a time for me to figure out what really is
good.
And then, how to be good even if I have very very little.
To say hello to strangers. To converse with the elderly and to your friends' parents. The impact that you make on people - if only you could imagine. Smile. Like you make others smile - many times a day.
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