So it happened. Somebody actually cashed in the Pay It Forward Time Card. Now the person who cashed it in was a natural to be the first one to do so, since she persists in being first in line at everything she does.
So when I got the order (not a request, an order, like at the drive up window) ......... I didn't have a good excuse to not show up. So my obligatory nature forced me to say, "yes, I will be there because you have the card." Besides, I actually do like the person and don't mind hanging out with her. (Had to make that clear in case she reads this. Although she probably won't ever get around to it because she is too busy being first in line.)
Then I found out what we were going to do. It's probably a good thing I didn't know what my card holding friend was going to ask of me before I agreed to show up, because large crowded rooms of people are not my forte. Large groups contain a huge proportion of extroverts (including my friend) who are energized by social activity while we introverts lurk about the edge of the room with uneasy smiles and eyebrows that say, "I'm uncomfortable, and I can't wait to leave." She had the time card and I made a promise.
Since we decided to meet for dinner prior to the meeting, I made sure to arrive amply early so I could get a glass of liquid social skills (aka LSS) before I had to go hang with strangers. She brought two other very nice ladies along, which was great because once I had known them for an hour and an LSS, they weren't strangers anymore. It's amazing how the LSS works for me.
So off we go to this meeting and it was incredible. And NO, it was not a cult. Just some good motivational talk. My LSS held up just enough to get me through and I didn't have to talk to that many people directly anyway. Just lots of hand shakes and it's nice to meet you's. Thankfully nobody had time to ask me stupid questions like, " what do you do?" to which I always reply, "When? " What I do really does depend on what day it is and what time of day it is.
Now the interesting thing about this cash in (so far the only cash in) is that my friend didn't use the card exactly as it was meant be used. (I don't why I would be surprised by this, since she has a rep of always going the unusual route.) I was supposed to help her do something, and I'm pretty sure that me and my LSS weren't all that helpful to anyone there. In this case, the person holding the card was more interested in investing something in me, and alas, the table was turned. She wanted me to know that things could be better and that she was willing to step up and be part of it. The relationship changed from a "How can I help you?" relationship to a "I'm here to support you!" relationship in both directions.
So that's the first story of the Time Card. If the others bear this much fruit, my 2015 can only be fantastic. Which would be awesome, because frankly, I think I am due for a good year.
Hope and peace! lw .
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