Kind Words

There are a million cutesy little sayings that probably make you want to gag but a few of them are actually little gems that I wish rested in everyone’s heart, like ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’. It’s trite and contrived but it’s a wonderful thing when you see it playing out in real life.

For example I got quite a bit of feedback from my post about my truncated online dating experiment. I can’t say it was all positive, but most of it was encouraging, understanding and supportive. It was so nice to be reminded that I know kind people who take the time to send a little message of hope and love when I need it most.

The most surprising message came from a member of one of the social groups in the Glen that I try and go to as often as I can. It was an interesting insight into my interactions with the world. You don’t always get to know how you come across to other people ... maybe it would be a good thing if we did. Apparently when I first joined the group I came across as quiet and preoccupied, which I would have been as it wasn’t very long after John died. And yet that group, and the others, accepted me in, were patient and kind and encouraged me to feel part of the group.

This kind soul told me that after a while, once they found out about the situation I was struggling with, they came to admire my determination and bravery at trying to find a way through life on my own.

It is difficult to explain how much these thoughtful comments have meant to me because it reminds me that there are people out there who have good hearts and don’t instantly judge people and write them off. I can honestly say that each of the lovely people who have welcomed me in in their own small way, just by offering a smile, including me in the conversation or inviting me out to share a coffee or chat have made my life just about bearable over the last 10 months.

It's a great reminder that we often don't know what is going in other people's lives, and that just by remembering this and being kind it is no understatement to say that we might be saving someone in some small way every day.