Negativity and selfishness gets great publicity in our social networking, indirect-contact society. You’d be led to believe the world’s running low on good people and that no one cares for or respects one another anymore. Their only concerns are themselves; and when they’re in need, no one is willing to lend them a hand without reward.
This is not the case. Kind, caring, selflessly-generous people still exist. Tracy Shawn is a shining example.
Blessings are sometimes disguised. Suffering from a speech impediment at a young age, Shawn didn’t lose face under a mask of pronunciation struggles. With speech therapy, determination, and a love for reading and writing, the Southern California native took a chance at becoming a professional writer. She pulled it off.
Today Shawn is the award-winning author of novel The Grace of Crows, a widely acclaimed novel about a character tormented by anxiety. Having a Masters in Clinical Psychology along with a solid reputation as an experienced journalist, her words are both self and publicly therapeutic.
While good at what she does, she’s also a good person and one who believes in helping others.
I asked Tracy Shawn to tell me about a time when she did something nice for someone she didn’t know. Here’s what she shared.
“I was walking down the sidewalk and saw a man carrying a self-help book. He had such a look of determination and yet sadness, too, that I was drawn to him. What was his story? What were his dreams? How could I help?
So, I started a conversation with him, asking about the book under his arm. I had no idea how’d he react and was pleasantly surprised to find out that this wary-looking man was quite friendly.
As it turned out, he happened to be a fellow author. His dream was simple, but in reality, as difficult to execute as anything I’ve ever known: To be able to make a living at being a writer. We shared the same goal, although we came from different countries, cultures, and life circumstances. I knew that I wanted to support him with his writing, as well as help him find other people who understood the need to be heard.
So, I invited him to my local Toastmasters group – a nonprofit organization that helps people hone their public speaking and communication skills.
Again, this stranger surprised me. He actually showed up to the next group meeting and has been one of the most active members in our group. I also introduced him to a close friend of mine, who is a whiz at grammar, and she now helps edit his writing.
This man has not only become a friend, but an inspiration. He has told me that I’m one of his mentors – and in hearing how hard he works, he has become mine as well.” |THIS
“We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” – ‘We Are the World’
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
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