Anyway, so this year's holiday theme is #FuelHappiness. Despite the stressors that this time of the year brings, we should find a way to make not only ourselves happy, but others as well. With all the crazy that's going on in this world, we tend to forget the simple things in life like smiling. Along with the theme, the company gave each employee gift cards to pass out to random strangers to help them "fuel their happiness".
Yesterday I was approached by a young lady wearing an LA Fitness shirt. She was asking me about the tops and the gym bags. I showed her a bag and explained why it's so useful. Then we talked about Lululemon fabric and the way it's supposed to fit. I asked her if she worked for LA Fitness and she excitedly said yes and went on to tell me that she had lost 28 lbs. She told me all the workouts she does and that her goal was to fit in Lulu. The first time she came in, she was unable to fit into the largest size, so she was eager to try again after her recent accomplishments. I was inspired by her determination and joy to be in the store that I felt I needed to do something for her.
I knocked on the fitting room door that she was in and I handed her a gift card. I admired her hard work and told her that she deserved a little something for her achievements. With a huge smile on her face, she gave me a hug and thanked me. I had to go on break, so I didn't get a chance to help her with her fit session. When I came back I was given this:
"Fit into the clothes happily." - That right there got me. How inspiring is that?! I'm sure she still has more goals for herself, but to know that she can happily wear something with confidence is pretty life changing.
I was told that when she was paying for her items, she was teary eyed and very grateful for my kindness. She tried to wait for me to say thank you, but she had to go. After reading the above gratitude note, I myself was overwhelmed with emotion. I enjoy inspiring others and helping them to achieve that feeling of accomplishment, but this was the first time that I didn't have anything to do with their hard work, but I was simply recognizing it. To know that I helped someone feel confident in their own clothes encourages me to be a better person. It will truly make you happy to see that you played a part in another person's happiness, especially if they are a stranger.
The whole experience got me thinking about happiness. It's one thing to fuel the happiness of those that you love, but when you do it to a total stranger, it brings your personal happiness to a different level. I'm not always the "nicest stranger" or customer even, so it really made me think about my attitude towards others, especially those who just want to help. If we all just take the time to spread a little cheer to a random stranger or to the people we love, it doesn't even have to be a grand gesture, but a little bit of kindness in this world really does go a long way.
