Travel is stressful even when it goes perfectly, but when I did a business trip recently with my broken foot and sprained ankle, amid a storm that was cancelling flights, it was a bigger-than-usual challenge.
But help from strangers helped a lot. Thanks to Jeff**, a flight attendant on my United flight who saw me hobbling onboard with my walking boot, grabbed my carry on and shlepped it into the overhead. He reassured me about our care and consideration for each other. And thanks to Michael*** who greeted me with a wheelchair as I arrived in Vancouver after a (very) long day and whisked me down the long international terminal and through immigration and customs. He too validated the possibilities for kindness all around.
We’re not always used to asking for help, and we may be more likely to offer it. But being in need is surprisingly bonding. Colleagues become supporters. Holding Beyza’s arm on the rainy streets of Vancouver (they were having an atmospheric river the week I was there), leaning on Steve crossing the steep streets of Seattle and holding Mark’s hand getting out of the car at a busy intersection surely meant more to me than it did to them. I’ve always been grateful for my amazing colleagues, but relying on them in new ways makes me even more appreciative.
I did an article recently on the power of help from strangers and what moves us to help others. Research suggests that we’re hardwired for empathy, and that we help because of how we view ourselves (“I am a compassionate person.”). We also help when we identify with the with the person in need (“I remember when I was traveling with a broken leg.”).
But regardless of the reasons, we are likely not deeply processing before we reach out. Our drive to help is fast and subconscious. We step in without thinking too hard about it. We offer a hand automatically. These are the actions that bond us and create the kind of society we all want to be part of.
Big thanks to Jeff, Michael and terrific colleagues.
**Thanks to Jeff, flight attendant on UA2432, 11:48am, DEN to YVR, December 7.
***Thanks to Michael with wheelchair assistance to arriving flight UA 2432 from DEN, December 7.
Wheelchair photo credit: Vitor Camilo on Unsplash.
