Thank Ye

Chelsea's Writing Prompt #3: What do people thank you for? 

I like to listen and I like to write. And when I listen to someone's stories or when I write someone a genuine letter, I feel their gratitude. 

In my job as a claims advisor, I listen to people's stories every day. I let them vent their frustrations and I acknowledge their concerns. I am constantly on the phone with people in order to investigate losses and do what's within my power to get our Insureds' lives back to normal. It can be rewarding job!

When I was writing for Blake Beyond Borders on a more consistent basis, I would get messages from people when a story really resonated with them or helped in some way. Especially where I'm not a very vocal person, being able to share my own stories on my preferred platform helps me cement my thoughts and feelings, and I will always been happy to hear when they help someone else. 

Showing compassion and treating people with respect was at the foundation of my upbringing and for good reason. It creates the bonds that hold together family and friends, and attracts people with the same values. 

Where Is He Now?

An architect light hangs over the laptop at my desk as I figure out what to write. The fan is already whirring after only half an hour of use. Pushing into its sixth year, I hope for enough kicks for it to graduate with me.  

It’s been over 2 months since my last post, which is quite a shame considering the clarity of thought it brings me. Travelling has been put on hold as I finish my last undergraduate course and refill my bank account, but that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming of my next dozen trips.

I’ve settled back down in Waterloo, Ontario. I got a job working as an Auto Claims Adjuster, which primarily entails being verbally attacked by people upset at having lost control of their vehicle on icy roads. Okay, it’s not that bad. I get to dress up nicely three days a week. And it’s given me tougher skin, I suppose.

On top of university and work, I’m taking a course on property insurance, so that one day I can be verbally abused by people who’ve damaged an even bigger asset, their home. Again, kidding (sort of). It’s challenging work and there’s some pride in being able to take a punch or ten.

I walk almost everywhere: to school, to work, the grocery store. It’s cold and the sidewalks are icy, but the fresh air is nice and it gives me time to reset between home and elsewhere. Snow in the early dawn is especially peaceful, but all this isn’t quite enough to bury thoughts of moving to the west coast.