Are We Doing Enough to Help Each Other?

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.   -- Jackie Robinson

This week, I welcome Jason Mollica as a guest blogger!  Be sure to visit his blog, One Guy's Journey.  It's a thought-provoking read.  I invited Jason to be a guest blogger as part of Be My Guest, a campaign to encourage a month of "mutual" blogging.  I became acquainted with Jason when he guested on my coworker Niki Pocock's blog.  I think it'll only take readers a few paragraphs to realize that this "guest" makes any blog feel like "home."

First, I was flattered when Paula allowed me to guest blog here. The #BeMyGuest month initiative is a chance to reach out and really provide (hopefully) some wisdom. So a great big Western New York THANK YOU for the guest spot.

I’m a giver. There, I said it right off the bat. I’ve always enjoyed being a person that said, “What can I do for you?” The feeling when you’ve actually done something for someone is incredible. But why don’t we do more for people?

There was a time when it didn’t take much for us to walk over to a neighbor’s house and help with a project. When I was growing up, we had more than a few neighbors that would help out with cutting down a tree or shoveling an elderly person’s driveway. It was the right thing to do.

Nowadays, we hear less and less about the great things people are doing and more about things like the “Real Housewives of Orange County” and what they spend on Botox.

I love the quote by the great Jackie Robinson, who did so much by not only breaking barriers in baseball, but also becoming a role model on how to carry one’s self in life. It resonates daily with me because I often wonder what impact I am having on the lives of my children, family and those around me.


Since I work in public relations, an extension of my job is to “help” others. I listen to our clients, offer advice, and even assist in out of the office projects. But my greatest joy is helping the next generation with anything I can.

I offer resume advice and career guidance (whether it be public relations or getting into radio and television). I have always believed in “paying it forward.”


Stumped about what you can do, no matter how small, for others? Just listen. Maybe someone just needs a few moments to vent or ask your opinion. Sit down and just open your ears. It goes a long way… believe me.


Treat a friend to lunch or a coffee. This seems like the simplest thing to do in the world. It will not only make you feel good, but the person you buy for will also get the added spring in their step.

Lastly, take time to mentor a future pro. It’s a great feeling to be able to help out those who are just getting their career going. Challenge them, teach them, and you’ll be paid back in spades.


So I ask you… What are you doing to help those around you?