What I learned while....
Welcome, I'm Jeff Jasper and this is dwelling-tiny
The title suggests
what I learn when ..., but that's not necessarily the case, yet it suggests a beginning and end.
For several years I've volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. Sometimes with another, and on others alone. Basically, the occasion gave me the opportunity to watch life pass by.
I watch a lot of videos for the purpose of learning. In this instance, I'm being purposely aware. And making no judgments.
A couple of years back, everyone seemed to have a blank almost glazed robotic appearance. Last year, everyone seemed so preoccupied. A few gross generalities, well dressed meant no donation while working clothes quite often meant a donation. Mothers are generally preoccupied while children see you and engage with their eyes.
Over time, I learned I could affect often an outcome. The adults by in large don't even see you while they may pass within inches. Holding a small candy cane up/out will invariably cause the child to gain the parent's attention. In almost every case they will grant approval. Then within a couple of steps, they'll dig for a donation, contract fulfilled. The elderly are very much like the children, they see you and given a chance will interact.
I've thought, that pollsters don't need to call and ask a lot of mundane questions but rather stand in front of Walmart or a big-box grocery store and be aware, not looking for just absorbing and your questions will be answered. Watching the people return items. Purchasing the necessities only, observing arguments it's all right there for the taking in. Sure the merchant knows the what's but observing will answer the why.
At the checkout counter, the clerk will inevitably ask if you found everything, and yet I've never heard a no. I suspect because the buyer didn't want the transaction to drag on. I on the other hand ofter respond with one of two options, and I'm not sure which response will come out or why. The response is "peachy keen" or "hunky-dory," a good friend who's now passed on responded with "never better". What I love is the clerk in many cases will come out of their doldrums, smile, and respond, my grandpa, used to say that! I've made a difference in one person's life for a moment.
I've been told, they loved what I said, while in reality, I said nothing which spoke volumes.
What I learned was to really listen, be aware, reflect, and be a difference in others' lives.
I'm Jeff Jasper and this is dwelling-tiny
