Strategically Placed in your Path

Over the years, I realized that people were strategically placed people in my life, at certain times, to share their love and compassion. The people took the opportunity they were given, and reached out to me. They could have seen the opportunity, and turned their backs. The person, whether knowing it or not, has left an imprint on my life.

So often in our daily lives, we are given those chances to help others. So often we turn our heads away, look down and avoid having to step out of our comfort zone to help another person.

To me, the moments others helped me, were not just important, they were life-changing. Not only did they change my life, they shaped my life and made me the kind person I am today.

Over the years, I conveniently “forgot” about so many of the times I had been on the receiving end of kindness. I must have been so caught up in my own life that I managed to forget these life-changing events. After really thinking back, I remembered so many acts of kindness that I received, like precious gifts. Try to take a few minutes to think about how others have helped you along your way.

If you remember the person’s name, you could consider thanking him/her now (even years later) if the impact was large on your life. Recently I found the phone number of my old high school guidance counselor. He was someone I will never forget - as he offered me kindness, compassion and love when I was going through some very rough times with my family. If he wasn’t there to support me, I would not have made it through those times. With 10 years that had passed, I nervously called my old guidance counselor (this was just a couple of weeks ago). I thanked him for helping me and told him how much I appreciated it. I felt that was the least I could do, years later, to let him know how much he helped my life.

I also found an old journal and this entry I wrote on Feb. 26, 1999:
“An angel to me,
he’s been nothing less.
Helped to see me through
all the stress.
Saw hope for my life,
through all the strife.
Helped show me how to find
my sight.
Enabling me to see the light.
An instrument used by the Father above.
Spreading the news,
sharing the love.
I am fortunate to know
such a person as this.
He’s been an angel to me,
nothing less.”

If you recall anyone who had an impact on you, and you feel inspired - let them know how they helped you. Maybe that alone will change their life a little bit - to know that their time (even years later) affected you so profoundly.

6 Responses to “Strategically Placed in your Path”

Jerry on August 21st, 2009

I completely share the same belief Holly. I’m happy you posted about this and I LOVE the beautiful manner in which you expressed your gratitude in the poem.

Life is a series of choices.

You know there was a time recently when I drove by the house of someone who had a big impact on my life though did not know it. I didn’t stop although I had seriously considered it. I was sort of reminiscing about times gone by at the time. I found out just the other day he had died of cancer only a few weeks after I drobe by. It really bothers me that I made the choice to just drive by and not stop in. I know I couldn’t have changed what God had in store for him but at least I could have expressed my gratitude for the positive effect he had on my life.

It feels really good reading about your extra effort with contacting your counselor. There are just no guarantees that we will get more time so I really believe NOW more than ever in leaving nothing left unsaid, nothing left undone, and having preconceived notions about anyone.

I have recently seriously considered contacting people that I know I have hurt in the past but I am not sure I should because would it be for them or for me?
Anna on August 23rd, 2009

Help is important to people - receiving and giving, but even more, giving. People want to know that they helped. There is nothing more rewarding, nothing that can help a person more than letting them help someone else - and then letting them know that they have done so. You could probably cure almost any suicide case by letting them help others enough - people, children, animals, or whatever the case may be.

In regards to what Jerry says, it also helps people a lot if you hurt them and let them know you are sorry. Of course - one has to do it tactfully and without scaring them! But it will help them a lot if you let them know that you are sincerely sorry - and maybe even offer to do something to make up the damage, if it is appropriate.
Bill Vlasak on September 6th, 2009

You started inspiring me with motivation just by writing and me reading your posts for the last 8 months or more.Time passes quickly when there is some enjoyment, so the above
‘when’ timeframe is unclear.
This post was written in August and I somehow missed it and now it is Sep. 6th/09.
Therefore this comment is even of more significance because your recent announcement that you are giving several of your Honest Riches and Word Press books as prizes in the forum contest made my day then and encourages me more to continue towards personal and financial freedom via internet marketing.I am sure you will be primarily responsible for making my life better as long as I try my best with your giving guidance .You pay it forward every day and I hope to be able to do so also whether through words or actions or both.I thank you for the past and future encounters.
Allan on November 16th, 2009

Great story Holly! Must have made your guidance counselor’s day to hear your gratitude, out of the blue after many years. Bravo.
admin on November 16th, 2009

Thanks Anna for this comment - I’m really late here in reading it. But happy to read your wonderful insights - I agree with them all! I think it is awesome, your way of thinking, about helping others and how important it is for us to do. I agree fully!
admin on November 16th, 2009

Thank you so much Bill. I too haven’t visited this post in quite a while - your comment was in September and here I am in November! I am not too good at keeping up with all my websites at times. But thank you for your comment - and you are an inspiration Bill - I know you will pay it forward. I hope to someday meet you - take care!