NOLA Lessons

After a week in NOLA, there are some definite lessons I took home with me. These are the big ones -

1. Everyone has a story
You might look at someone and think you know them or where they come from. You don't. Everyone has a history of what they've been through & where they are going. Not everyone will have been through a catastrophic hurricane but maybe something in their lives has felt like that. They could be struggling & you have no idea.

2. Listen
The residents of NOLA wanted to talk. They wanted to tell their story. Where they were during Katrina, what it's like living there now, & more. Sometimes just listening to someone else's story can make their day. Whether you meet someone on the street or listen to a stressed out friend.

3. Raise Each Other Up
All week, everyone applauded each other for great work done. No one yelled, got snarky, bitchy, bratty or pouty. We were adults. We acted like it. We said our opinions and listened and made decisions in a calm fashion. I will take this one to work for sure. Compliment each other. Nothing makes people feel better than to say nice things to them.

4. It will all work out
We get so fussy & pissy about the dumbest things. I am definitely guilty of that. Things dont go right at work, the car repairs are expensive, there's no parking, the grocery store is packed, on & on. Just stop & take a breathe. Things are not that bad. It will pass. There are much worse things happening in the world.

5. Be open
Be open to new things. Be open to seeing things in a new way. Be open to understanding the story about a new place or people. Be open with your feelings. If you're happy , say it. If you're upset, it's ok.

I hope that this trip shows just one person that you can make a difference & help others. Even if you help out in your own community, you can help.

And to end with one of my favorite quotes -

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi