2020
Let’s Just Because
Early September 2020 I was feeling the heavy angst of a growing concern of COVID. I remember seeing something on the news about parents being in a very difficult situation: if they should send their kiddos back to school or not. Oh and the panic buying, ….. AHHH!!
I felt helpless yet compelled to do something, anything for the people who surrounded me, but at a distance. What could I do? What a ridiculous feeling! Right?! Then…
I saw online a band played on their driveway, while music lovers had their camping chairs safely spread around enjoying it. The band was “The Garden”
A-HA! I had an idea! ‘I will put on a concert’, an epiphany like in the movie ‘Waynes World’ haha!. ‘Oh yes, I’ll put on a concert!’
After connecting with the condo close by my apartment, getting the ok by Stefania (assistant property manager), Board Members and a notifying the city and first responders IT WAS A GO! Weeeewww! *It took merely seconds after meeting Courtney Bowles accompanied by Adam Ustead to learn they were absolutely incredible musicians AND people! Perfect fit!
It was a huge success, so many smiles, and singing along!
Days before the event, Stefania sent out a mass email to all residents, inviting them to enjoy the music from their apartment/ balcony with a friendly reminder that the music will stop if pooling of people begins outside. I also agreed to not to take and photo or video of the residents, regardless of how much I wanted to!!
Stefiania told me she didn’t know what to call this event, so called it ‘Just Because’. It was this that inspired me to start an echo called ‘Let’s Just Because’ . <3 🙂
This was exciting: making the best of an otherwise crappy situation of COVID; I shared this idea with anyone who would listen. Looking at the ‘forrest through the trees’, this was also a distraction for my mental health. I started a facebook group for this!
It was heartwarming when my dentist reached out to me days after our appointment saying he was inspired by the story of the recent ‘just because’, sharing how he did pro-bono work for someone wouldn’t otherwise afford it. I’m gushing just thinking about it!
Occasionally, the dog would bark to alarm someone was a the door- but no one was there except some home made goods! (A friend randomly dropped off home made baked goods and leave before being seen!).
Another habit formed was thanking the delivery driver for our food AND THEN after enjoying the meal, calling to thank the manager/ chef personally.
Admittedly, I get a little kick out of asking for the manager at the end of the meal and surprising them with POSITIVE feedback about how wonderful the meal service was.
Just to think this was all inspired by that building manager Stefania calling what I did a “Just Because” during the pandemic.
It felt so good taking that extra step to not only doing kind things ‘just because’ for strangers, but to also encourage others to do the same. It was my ‘moth to a flame’ reaction of doing good for others when needed – to make a situation a bit better than what it was. It was also helping ME cope as well. Make sense?
As the pandemic started to fizzle, do did my interest in managing the facebook group. I realized a lot of people may not post the nice things they’ve done for modesty purposes- Posting publicly the small acts of kindness you’ve done may not come off the same way…. asking others to do the same is like herding cats *lol* I am no good at it!
It wasn’t long until realizing that running the facebook group wasn’t a good fit for me. I knew who would be excellent at it though! Laurie Goodman. (Remember the Public Speaking, Life Messages post?). Laurie Goodman is so incredibly kind, intelligent, sweet and already had a large following! In the words of Laurie, “Yeah Baby!”
Facebook group LetsJustBecause.
Standing Back Up: Inspired Echoes
Hats For Hope (’16, ’17, ’18), Let’s Just Because (2020), Inspiring to Aspire (2022)