Top Time Tip #113
The Angel In Disguise
16th December 2008
Here in New Zealand the days are balmy, the water's warm, and everyone's bustling to get work cleaned up before kicking back with our long summer holidays. As a nation we're looking forward to long lazy days at the beach, or mountains, or quietly at home. We can almost smell the BBQs cooking, almost hear the happy squeals of children splashing in the water, and our taste buds are getting ready to savour the good wines we'll enjoy with friends and family over leisurely meals.
If you're one of my Northern Hemisphere readers, with short days and long dark nights, chilling temperatures, ice and maybe snow, you'll have the joy and delight of beautiful Christmas decorations to delight your eyes and the feeling of snugness as you come in from the cold to your well-warmed homes.
I have a three-fold wish this Christmas. First, that we remember to stop and appreciate the natural beauty of this wonderful world. Second, that we notice the blessings of love, laughter, hope and generosity freely shared by so many of the wonderful people around us. And three, that we never stop learning.
On the matter of beauty, I couldn't resist sharing this beautiful pohutukawa, New Zealand's Christmas tree, in full bloom right now outside my office window.
On the spirit of giving I hope you enjoy this issue's story. It's about an experience I had back in 2002 - this seems a good time of year to share it.
 And I was given a most surprising gift last week - Life Membership of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand, Auckland Branch, only the third time this award has been given.
No matter what your faith and culture I wish you joy and blessings for the coming year. May you and your loved ones have a wonderful festive season, and may all your dreams have wings.
The Angel In Disguise
It was March 2002 and I'd just finished two days of work for the CPA Queensland (Certified Practising Accountants) Congress in Brisbane.
Reforming 'rush-aholic' that I was back then (better now, but still not perfect!), I'd packed my other bags ready to leave the hotel good and early, but worked at the computer just a few minutes too long.
Because the Brisbane Hilton is only a few minutes walk from Central Station (I was off to the Gold Coast for a day's R & R before heading home to Auckland) I decided not to be the short haul taxi fare the cabbies all hate and instead to lug my wheelie bag of books and resources, suit bag and backpack with trusty laptop the two blocks to the station.
As I stepped into the hustle and bustle of business people in the early morning Brisbane sunshine I realised I was unlikely to catch the next train. Once upon a time (not long back!) I would have clicked right into Stress City, sending an invisible but tangible wave of negative energy ahead of me.
This time a tiny intuitive nudge shifted me into 'detach'. A quick 'what's the outcome if I miss the train' mental check - no major dramas on the horizon. So, at peace but still giving it my best shot, I hurried on.
'Click click click' went the lights. I carved a wide swathe through oncoming pedestrians and reached the other side, sidestepping one of those bothersome charity collectors waving his box under my nose.
'He's got no show of getting anything from this chick,' flashed somewhat self-righteously through my mind as I brushed impatiently past.
And then a quiet friendly voice said, 'Can I give you a hand?'
If I'd been in the old stress mode, I wouldn't have heard it - and maybe it wouldn't have been offered.
Startled, I looked around. It was the collector. The first automatic response was to refuse - his long flowing ponytail, thin face, wispy beard, old clothes and collector's box didn't fit my pre-conception of a saviour. But then, intuition kicked in and I gratefully shared the load.
With no expectation of, nor request for recompense, he left his good revenue-collecting spot, grabbed my heavy suit bag, and together we scampered up the street, all the way to the platform. I arrived hot, puffing and happy - 5 minutes early!
Angels come in all shapes and sizes!
What did I learn? Be always alert for the tiny prompt of intuition; practice detachment from stress before it overwhelms you; do a 'worst case' mental spot check when potentially difficult situations show up and you'll usually find nothing's life-threatening; and NEVER judge a book by its cover!
Also - give and it shall be given unto you. Not only did I make a suitable donation, but other people came up to Richard as he was helping me navigate the platforms and concourse of the station and, without request, reached to put money in his box. (He was still wearing his official collector's jacket as well as carrying his collection box.) The world is full of wonderful people.
Watch for those angels - they're everywhere, thinly disguised as our fellow men. Good people are everywhere.
Cheers
Robyn Pearce CSP(Certified Speaking Professional)
International Time Management and Productivity Specialist
The Time Queen, Helping You Solve Your Time Problems
robyn@gettingagrip.com
www.gettingagrip.com
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