Are You A Bridge Or Are You A Troll?
Feb 6 2012

Grumpy Old Troll

Dora With The Grumpy Old Troll

Some people serve as bridges during good times and bad and others are just trolls.  If you are a parent, especially of girls, you have most likely heard of Dora the Explorer and the grumpy old troll who doesn’t let anyone cross his bridge unless they do certain things, behave a certain way, or answer certain questions.  He is an unhappy soul.

Some people reach out to you only when they need something, but otherwise aren’t very helpful when you reach out to them.  They don’t seem to really care what’s going on with you, or even bother to notice if you are in a pickle even if you ask for help.  Some people burn bridges intentionally and others aren’t aware they are doing so.

We can all be bridges and help people get to where they are trying to go.  It doesn’t have to be a diamond studded bridge…even a kind word, a pat on the back, a few words of encouragement, or an introduction to someone else who can help them can go a long way to bridge someone to their destination.

I remember a saying I heard when I was in college that went something like: always be kind and generous to people who come to you for help in their time of need, because you never know when you will be in a similar situation someday.  Good, caring people help us get through the challenges and even the glories of life.  I’ve also heard it said in a more foreboding way “Be careful who you step on when you are climbing up the corporate ladder, for they may be in a position to help you when/if the rungs break, due to things in or out of your control, and you come falling down .”

Be kind.  Be a bridge for someone during their time of need and don’t put terms and conditions on your help…just do it.  Things have a way of coming around.  I’ve been blessed with many wonderful “people” bridges, and I hope I am perceived as being as helpful to others as they have been to me.

Author: | Filed under: entrepreneurship, parenting | Tags: , , | 3 Comments »