"No problem." is one of my favorite Chance songs but also one of the most misleading, deceiving phrases our society has adopted.
You give a homeless man on S. Wabash Ave. a few dollars you have left-over but the first thought that comes to our minds is how the universe going to reimburse you for $2.00 out of your wallet and 2 seconds of your time.
Sorry, the universe doesn't have a checkings account nor does it keep a tab for good deeds.
Presently, doing something out of your comfort zone to help someone else isn't exactly "cool" unless it's broadcasted on your Instagram or followed by immediate compensation. It repulses me that people really only go out of their way to do things for others to seek recognition for it.
As tough as it may seem, loaning someone money and not asking for it back is relieving because it not only displays great character, but makes that certain someone more likely to loan you back with something worth more than money.
Respect.
Yes, I'm aware that respect doesn't pay for your next meal, bill or shopping spree but it breeds a sense of achievement that your help and support doesn't come with a price tag.
I've done a lot of things recently that no one knows about (except anyone that reads this, lol.) that really forced me to step out of my comfort zone and work for free.
I'm not about to tell you I went to the local food pantry and dedicated my day to it because if I did you probably would've seen it on my Snapchat story, which really only makes my good deed seem more of a cry out for attention.
One day as I was sitting at a table studying for my following, I noticed a young man who appeared to be struggling placing chips and candy into the vending machines.
He wasn't elderly, disabled or terrible at his job, his body language just read a disinterest and trust me, I've been there but today I was feeling good so I decided to offer my free hand.
My free hand ended up being shot down because he was "all good"...initially.
Following this, I heard a few bag of chips fall and I knew where it came from and I definitely knew the voice after he exclaimed "Shit! that woke up the secretaries.
At this point, I was pissed he didn't want help but now it was personal. So, I go over and pick up a few bags of Doritos Cool Ranch (my favorite) first then some Cheetos. After working and sharing conversation with Sean about how his job doesn't schedule him enough deliveries to help him afford a new muffler on his used BMW and how his girlfriend went out last night without his knowledge.
Side note: I became uninterested very quickly because I don't have a BMW nor a girlfriend.
Anyways, we finished putting away the chips and he was beginning candy but my 1pm class was about to start and I knew this was my opportunity to pursue some Skittles
Sean declined.
Moral of the story, I didn't get to taste the rainbow before Humanities.
Kidding but seriously, I initially wanted to help the guy to get something out of it for myself but as time passed I realized helping him was going to be effortless, even if I didn't get paid or reimbursed with candy.
So, the next time you're at the checkout counter, tell the clerk to keep the receipt and the change because your good character isn't dependent on a fee.
