Week 20: The Power to Share and Vice-Versa

Several years ago I was talking with a colleague named Shawn regarding the influence of power outlet locations on my seat selection in an airport terminal. I'd pass up the comfiest of chairs for a cramped, drafty corner next to a power outlet.

Today, in any decent airport, power outlets seemed to outnumber the chairs, but back then my friend Shawn described his practical solution. He simply carried several small plug-strips when traveling and would use them to multiply the number of potential power users. But he went on to say that he would simply leave the plug-strip there for others to use when boarding his flight. Shawn was and is the kindest, most thoughtful person I know.

Recently, in several random places (festivals, cafes, outdoors by the train station, sitting on the canal eating my lunch) I've been approached by others to borrow a power cord or battery-pack. I just hand it over without much thought. Approximately four seconds later, a wave of panic comes over me - but quickly goes away as I realize I don't really care if someone runs off with it. I just channel  my inner-Shawn and share the power, leaving it to the world to decide. However, each time the power returns to me with a small and a kind word. I suppose there might come a day when I don't get it back, but I won't let it stop me. Anyone who takes it permanently from me likely needs it more than I do.