The story of a guy with Downs Syndrome, some grocery bags and an idea straight from the heart

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The story of a guy with Downs Syndrome, some grocery bags and an idea

straight from the heart.

Something I have often heard from teachers, mentors and my own

parents is the following phrase: " Be the best at what you do,

whatever you do. " It's a lesson I have tried to live up to most of my

life. But the following story, well, it really illustrates the point.

Most of us try and be good at what we do. In our daily jobs, we try

and be a great employee. In family life, we try and be a good

husband, wife, father or mother. But how many of us strive to be the

best that we do, regardless of the task?

That brings us to Joe (not his real name), a man who was born with

Downs Syndrome and has more reason than most to feel sorry for

himself. Of course, Joe isn't like that. His condition makes most

jobs out of his reach, but that didn't stop him from getting a

position at the local grocery store as a bagger.

A bagger is not a particularly glamorous job. It's dull, repetitive

work and the pay isn't exactly wonderful. Joe didn't see it that way.

He wanted to be the best bagger in the store, if not, the city. So,

he had an idea.

He went home and, with the help of his father, typed up inspirational

sayings and quotes. Then, he cut them out and took them to work.

Every time he put groceries in a bag, he would add one of the little

inspirational quotes. It made Joe happy to spread a little joy, and

the customers loved it, too.

In fact, they really loved it. So much so that pretty soon, people

were lining up to get their groceries bagged by Joe. It didn't matter

if another checkout was open, people would stand in line to meet Joe

and get one of his inspirational sayings with their weekly shop.

From a mundane job, Joe created something extraordinary. He got

tips, too, which was not the goal but certainly helped him out. He

did something remarkable and genuine, and everyone around him felt

inspired. That is the embodiment of being the best at what you do.

Take that story to heart and let it sink in. What could you do better

in your daily routine? It doesn't need to take a lot of time or

money, but just a little thought. Put your ideas to work and who

knows what the outcome may be. It could turn an ordinary business

into an overnight success. It could turn an average day at work into

something exciting. " Be the best at what you do, whatever you do " are

words to live by.

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