During these challenging times, we can find ourselves moodier than usual, impatient with people , frustrated at the current situation, afraid as we fear the unknown and a whole host of negative emotions. It is easy to let these feelings take over our lives. But in times like these, people need our kindness that much more.
A simple smile can do so much in a time when we cannot hug or kiss hello. Even with a mask on, you can see when someone smiles by looking at their eyes and we become more attuned to really listening to people when they speak through a mask.
Tipping and showing gratitude to the delivery workers and all the essential workers also goes a long way. Checking in with your friends and family just to say hi and see how they are doing can often come at a much needed time.
Many people are living on their own and find the isolation incredibly difficult so a small gesture can really go far. It does not cost anything to check on your friends, to call, to email , to drop a meal over at someone’s doorstep. It actually makes you incredibly grateful for all that you have which then enables you to spread this to others that are not as fortunate.
But saying all this, we should not need a pandemic to practice showing gratitude. We should be doing this daily. When someone lets you in when you are driving , wave and thank them. When a pedestrian has the right of way to cross, let them, don’t try to beat them to it, when someone toots you just smile and wish them a good day. Don’t let their frustrations get you down. Rise above it and wish them well.
I remember about a year ago coming out of the supermarket and as I was putting my shopping in my car, a young mother of two small children was having a bad day and yelled at her kids as she put them in the car. The kids had been misbehaving and you could tell she was exhausted and at her wits end. She saw me and started crying and I said, “it’s ok, we have all been through this before.” As I got in my car about to leave, she stood there crying and visibly upset, so I got out of my car , smiled and asked her if she needed a hug. She simply responded with a yes and we hugged and she pulled herself together thanked me and got in the car and drove away.
It doesn’t cost a thing to be kind but the impact can last forever.
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