The Kindness of Strangers

I almost lost my head yesterday. There were too many screens open on my laptop, too much work piled on my desk, and too many people suffering from "I need it now" syndrome, and my blog got out of kilter - or as they say in technical terms, something went wrong with my domain mapping. I was the one who got unhinged. It was about lunch break, breaking point for me.

You've been there. When you are juggling three things with your left hand, and you just lost your right hand (my lovely and very capable marketing specialist moved on to a new opportunity), while five matters demand your urgent attention and you are already behind without having even started. That kind of day at lunchtime.

I put out an S.O.S. on Twitter and almost instantly people responded asking questions, checking out my feed, and being helpful. Just listening is being helpful, by the way. Many of the people who took the time off their pursuits to make inquiries, I have not technically met before. Jeff Crites offered a suggestion after checking his own blogs hosted by TypePad, for example. Cam Beck, who I have had the opportunity to read and collaborate with online and met at Blogger Social, checked his blog and my feed as well.

It was David Brazeal who truly went the nine yards; he compiled a quick guide for me and sent it by email. I've exchanged emails with David in the past, commented on his blog on occasion, but I cannot really say we engaged in deep discussions. It is fair to say we are almost strangers to each other. He took the time to reach out and help.

With one exception, I have not met in person any of the people who sent virtual hugs at the end of the day. What I asked was: "Does anyone have a spare hug for me today? I don't ask often, in fact never. I need one just about now. Thank you!"

No, I do not ask often. In fact, I rarely ask for anything - here, or at work. I feel that if people want to give, it's up to them to do so. There are plenty of opportunities to do just that. I find them everywhere I listen. I also find that there is often more kindness in strangers.

Comments

[Linda Sherman]

Valeria, my sympathies. I know what it feels like when something technically goes awry with one's blog.

Although I have not met most of the people I relate with on Twitter, I actually do feel related with them. I'm sure that the virtual hug you got was a very real one.
@lindasherman

[Ricardo Bueno]

You know, that's the great thing about social media...it's the almost immediate sense of community that you can develop with even complete strangers.

It sounds like you had one of those hectic days (hectic might be an understatement) but I'm also glad you found some friends to bring you out of the rut.

[Chris Baskind]

We heart Valeria. ;-)

[Valeria Maltoni]

Linda - that's because there is a shared experience. We're all grappling with similar issues. Alas, the technical problems at TypePad have come back to haunt me. No word from their help desk.

Ricardo - it was (still is) one of those "I have no control over my destiny" stretches of time one rarely enjoys. I am seriously considering a total change with tools at this point. Loose ties are often better at providing support, at least in my experience. People who know you, sometimes take you for granted ;-)

Chris - thank you.

[Connie Bensen]

a big hug to you Valeria!

You totally made my day a week ago. Let me know if I can ever help you back! (not fixing domain mapping on your blog though, ok?! :) )

[Steve Bannister]

Valeria,
I'm glad that you received some help. I couldn't agree with you more that there is more kindness with strangers. I have had too many examples of getting help from strangers to think otherwise.
Cheers,
Steve