Day 2

Today's favors varied by zipcode and specific requests. However, the underlying content was the same: kindness.

The day started out in Los Feliz with me meeting with a devoted physician who wants to forward information about the 32 Favors to some of his disadvantaged patients. These individuals need assistance navigating the system in order to receive the level of care needed to thrive. He and I brainstormed ways to facilitate connecting patients with available resources which can appear quite limited to those without the benefits provided by health insurance. His passion for his patients inspired me to look at additional ways to promote this idea with an even greater fervor than yesterday. 32 Favors is bigger than just me wanting to be helpful in a small way; it is about all of us as a global community coming together to offer a hand to those struggling; it is about us seeing others as a part of us and knowing we are not separate; if one suffers, our global community suffers. Likewise, if one thrives, we all thrive. I left the meeting with the physician filled with hope and determination to reach out to anyone in need.

My next stop was Santa Monica. A woman requested I come and help her organize her closet. This seemed like a simple Favor and one I gladly agreed to since I have personal experience that de-cluttering a closet can be the perfect catalyst for clearing one's thoughts. On my way over to her apartment I called to confirm our meeting time. During our brief conversation I mentioned having a masters in psychology and a background in life coaching. She seemed elated at hearing this and asked if we could just talk instead of work on the closet. I told her it's her favor and that we can spend the time however it is most helpful to her.

I arrived at her apartment and was met with a warm embrace and smile. She seemed delighted to have me there and I felt honored to be asked to come and help her in some way. Within a short period of time we were deep in conversation and I was struck by how kind of a woman she was and how it did not seem that she saw her real value. We chatted for several hours, during which we explored some of her past romantic relationships and also discussed some of her current dating prospects. She told me painful stories from her childhood and we delved into ways her past was affecting her present. Again, I was blown away with her poise and genuine caring nature and wondered why she did not seem to recognize all of the amazing qualities she offered any potential suitor. Time and time again with both men and women as Pilates clients and previously with life coaching clients I witnessed the same thing: issues of feeling discounted by loved ones in childhood manifesting into a general lack of self worth and esteem as adults. She kept thanking me for listening and for offering constructive feedback and all I kept saying in my mind was, "I hope she knows she is worthy of this kindness." When I left her place, all I could think about was how important it is in life to learn to accept kindness from others. So often we discount what is said in a seeming attempt to be modest. However, I wonder if the actual motivation is that we do not believe we deserve kindness unless we have suffered first. How amazing would it be to experience kindness without needing to have endured pain?

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings! Stay tuned for the next day of Favors...