Lessons Learned Along the Way
Over the course of ones existence, we tend to pick up not just the things we are taught in school and as children, but what we consider to be our own valuable life lessons.
Whether these are things learned by learning from our own mistakes or the mistakes of others. Or perhaps these are things that we’ve picked up from wisdom imparted on us by those that we consider close or knowledgable.
Either way, we tend to pick up these little tidbits over the course of our lives that stick out and prompt us to act a certain way or respond a certain way.
Being content in the place we have found ourselves in has a lot to do with how we apply what we’ve learned.
If we continuously utilize these life lessons and encourage the growth of more knowledge in not just ourselves but those around us, we’re going to foster that positive growth that can truly benefit our own progress.
Not only this, some of the little things that make up who we are and some of these little lessons and thoughts passed down, may have been passed down by someone who is no longer alive to see the fruits of their efforts.
By honouring these lessons, we’re honouring the person that taught them.
As a child growing up in a family where a parent worked shift work, it was quite common to celebrate events as an actual event – and not necessarily on the day that the event was intended.
This taught us children that Christmas is quite literally just a day on the calendar.
Obviously aside from the Religious backgrounds and other Religious holidays – it is just a day.
Yes there is reasoning and meaning behind it. But how and more importantly when we choose to celebrate was up to our own family. And this is what made it, and the traditions that followed, most important.
When you grow up in the Policing family, this lesson is quickly learned and adapted throughout the entire year.
Yes you have a birthday – but does celebrating it on another day make it any less special or significant? Of course not.
And this obviously applies to any event – anniversaries, Easter, Christmas. You adapt and sometimes it works out even for the better as you learn that you can slowly and more thoroughly enjoy and embrace these holidays as you’re not trying to do everything over the course of one day.
Something in you shifts when you realize that you are in charge of your own calendar and your plans don’t necessarily have to be dictated by what may already be laid out for others.
Respect is another learned trait passed on.
And the ways in which we respect ourselves and others vary based on the situation, and person we are dealing with.
Over the course of my working life I have worked in fast food, family run businesses, restaurant management, educational supplies, golf courses, and security. All of which have one integral piece that runs concurrently through all jobs – and thats customer service.
Regardless of the job, task, or outcome – the main focus always tends to come back to the customer as without them, we often wouldn’t have the jobs that most of us have.
Whether we deal directly with them or not, they are a key motivating factor to success in business.
Working through varying establishments and chains, I’ve experienced everything from low to higher end clientele. Regardless of the person however, they all should be treated equally.
And thats with utmost respect and consideration.
People aren’t always who they initially appear to be and you never know when your paths may cross again – so treating them right the first time sets up any future encounters to be more positive experiences.
Working at a nicer golf course that was predominately male owned and occupied, it was quickly imparted that we referred to them as Gentlemen and Ladies in any conversation, whether you were speaking with other staff or coworkers, or even guests. You never knew when or if someone would overhear part of a conversation. And you treated these Ladies and Gentlemen with the utmost kindness and respect.
As silly and as little as this was, you could tell from the faces of those that entered the golf course that may have found themselves there by lucky circumstance or as a treat to themselves, being treated and acknowledged in a more respectable and sophisticated way, you made them feel better about themselves.
Whether they were shareholders or visitors, they all felt like regardless of social standing, they were in a place that they belonged.
You’re always going to have those that may not appreciate these small tones or gestures, but they will typically be the first to let you know how they want to be acknowledged anyway.
Most people appreciate these small gestures and you end up giving their day that little bit of a positive boost that may just elevate it to the next level.
With all of these said, the two lessons in which I would most like to impart on anyone reading today are the following :
- Calendar holiday’s and traditions are meant as a guideline. Live your life, your holidays and your traditions in a way that best suits your family and your life. Especially in a profession such as security and policing, by quickly dropping these unnecessary standards and pressures that society tends to build up – the easier and faster you will find yourself enjoying the time and space you carve out for you and your family to celebrate the things that really matter and at a time and place that works best for your needs.
- Treat everyone around you almost better than you would treat yourself. You’ll quickly find that by doing so, you could be turning what could be a bad day for someone, into a better day. And not just this, you’re rooting better and higher expectations and standards for yourself too. By imparting more respect to those around you, in the end you actually are demanding it for yourself as well. By treating those around you ‘almost’ better than you would yourself, you may actually find that in the end, you yourself ends up getting this better treatment as well.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna is the Office Manager at Sentinel Security, as well as the main blog contributor.
With foundations firmly routed in Business administration, Customer Service, and Management, she brings years of experience to her roles both within the Sentinel office, and the blog.
Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities.
Her passions include spending time with her husband and two young children, world travel, reading, writing, and pushing herself to always look for the silver lining.
