The professional errand-boy

I know what I want to do. I want to write a book, move to New York, drink cocktails, hang out with friends, etc. Today I discovered a new activity that I really enjoy: running errands.

After two days, working as a volunteer for The Moth (theMoth.org), running around Manhattan picking up various packages for their benefit auction, It  suddenly hit me; I actually enjoy this. The concept of bein a professional, presentable, polite and very patient errand boy feels great. Furthermore, I think it is an important job. You are representing an organization in the first degree, so acting nice and being friendly, without getting smug, is mandatory.

I’ve tried explaining this new idea to people and I think a lot of people don’t’ really get it. They seem to interpret it as a sarcastic remark,  this whilst I am in fact completely sincere. I really love going around town with public transportation, I really love those moments of waiting and I love it when people appreciate what I do. This of course feels very satisfactory, despite the fact I was, in the end,  a frowned upon errand boy.

One guy I talked to, however, really seemed to understand the idea and actually helped me understand myself even better. He told me that he liked my attitude. I hadn’t thought about it this way before, but I think he really hit the spot there. For me it’s not so much about what I do. Being an errand-boy is not what matters. What matters is the attitude I have,  whatever task I take upon myself. That and being humble and appreciative of my life as it is.