Whether you’re the trailing spouse, unable to work in a new country, or simply eager to find a way to feel purposeful in your day, I highly recommend helping someone!

This morning, walking along the snow/ice covered streets in New York, I happened upon a woman who wanted a cab, but was terrified to step onto the curb due to black ice which could cause her to slip and fall.  So, she asked if I would help her.  I held out my arm, and we slowly approached the curb.  I waited with her but no taxis showed up.

Happily, there was a hotel 2 blocks away.  Taxis normally congregate in front of them, so I walked this woman over to the hotel, holding my arm.  Her name was Welly (short for her last name) and she was a lovely woman.  Though I did have to get to my office, I felt there was, in that moment, nothing more important than helping this lovely person to a cab.  I had the choice to help her, or not, and then to stay with her until her need was fulfilled, or leave her in the middle.  By choosing both to help her, and to make sure she got safely to a cab, I felt I had served a useful purpose, which also made my day much better!

I did feel it was a bit “being in the right place at the right time”, but I’m sure I’ve been in a hurry, and walked right by a great opportunity like this before.  So, if you’re wondering how to add more meaning to your life, just open your eyes to someone right next to you, that might need your help, and offer your arm.