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All of us have a story to share.
Some are joyful. Some are teary. Some provide perspectives. Several are downright heartbreaking. Others are simply inspiring.
I've been receiving and exchanging stories of COVID-19 lockdowns with business and government leaders from around the world since June. As the third wave of the pandemic handcuffs some nations and borders, I turn my attention to you - readers and followers of Affluent Society - and your emails and feedback to me these past months.
While I continue serving my sentence in Melbourne, I will try my best to tell your story.
This Human Stories Series is a cumulation of stories shared with Affluent Society by its readers and followers from around the world.
Heather Stieneker is a Transportation Manager for DHL Supply Chain located in Fairburn, Georgia. I previously spoke to her colleague Prithu Srivastava about his lockdown story in Indonesia.
Heather is in a happy place despite the pandemic. She just celebrated her 5 year anniversary with the company, and enjoys working with a wonderful team that successfully services the Southeast Region for a dedicated customer. She bartends on the side as a bit of a fun hobby. She loves taking care of patrons. She enjoys providing solid service as it gives her a strong sense of gratification and success when a customer has a great experience during his or her visit. And she loves making people laugh.
This is Heather Stieneker's story as shared with Affluent Society from the US:
Lying awake at night
My biggest fear right now would have to be that our current situation will truly become the “norm”. The more I see the normalization of wearing masks, home schooling, and encouragement of staying home, the more I fear for our future as social beings will fade away. I fear that the great divide of our civilization will never be mended and we will continue to fight with each other.
You would be so surprised how a hug can have an impact on someone else’s situation. The world definitely needs more hugs!
We have lost our sense of respect for each other as humans. Our society has become so “P.C.” and it is borderline faux pas to verbalize that you disagree on any given subject. I find myself keeping opinions or stances on various subjects to myself out of concern that it will cause a discord with whomever I may be interacting with.
Happiness is just a wife and hug away
My marriage to my best friend and soulmate is the first source of my happiness. My wife and I have been together for nearly 13 years and she is my support and my rock in life. We live life to the fullest within reason and we make each other laugh often. We tell each other we love one another multiple times a day and share sweet moments like falling asleep watching Bob Ross together while holding hands.
While not being all sappy lovey-dovey with my partner, I love making people laugh. Smiling is one of my favorite things to do, and I get joy out of giving hugs and brightening people’s day. You would be so surprised how a hug can have an impact on someone else’s situation. The world definitely needs more hugs!
We tell each other we love one another multiple times a day and share sweet moments like falling asleep watching Bob Ross together while holding hands.
A dream of helping others
My dream is to build a non-profit organization that will provide donations to other local non-profit organizations. I currently have a trademarked logo and have raised money for local charities and personal events. I hope to grow and expand beyond my little town of Powder Springs.
My advice to fellow readers is: Love hard and be yourself. Listen to the lyrics, not just the beat. If you can be anything, Be Kind! Hug whenever possible as you never know who may need that hug at that very moment.
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