Thinking Thursday....
Today would be Thinking Thursday if we were in my classroom, and I did a lot of thinking today. Compassion is easier for me to give than to get. I can forgive most people almost anything but forgiving myself even the littlest thing is the hardest thing to do. I annoy people with my apologies. I know why I psychologically do it and I won’t bore you with it but I can’t change who I am. So today was harder because I found myself being harder on myself than usual, because I would notice faults and think oh no I’m failing at this, I should have waited around and opened the door for that older man, or I found myself apologizing more than usual when or trying not to so I wouldn’t annoy others, I think I was sensitive due to the fact of having a migraine and the pain medication made this all worse. Lots of tears - but there were acts of kindness towards me that I found so nice! For instance - Ace really is the Helpful Hardware Place! My toilet is broken and I just thought I could go in and buy a simple replacement kit for the tank - who knew there were so many choices and prices? And I tried to call my husband but he was in a meeting with a senator and apparently the country is going down the toilet but to me I wanted just to flush the toilet - more important pressing issue of the day. So I looked up and this nice older man who works there asked me to explain the problem, told me what to buy, gave me the number of his friend and said to call him if I needed help and he patted my arm and said this will work out. I went to my car so happy - I cried but I couldn’t believe how nice he was to me. Then I went to a drive thru to get some lunch and I was looking down trying to change the radio station and when I looked up the teller guy was hanging out the window waving at me, so I apologized and he was so nice and laughing and said no problem “I get paid by the hour and they can’t make me leave the window if I have an order open plus it was nice to see your smile-’’ Have a great day” Totally made me feel better for being a dork -
So I guess what I’m telling you is that while I am unsure how well I did being compassionate to others - unexpected people were very compassionate to me today and it really helped me out. Not in big ways but ways that mattered to me.
It’s the little things we do that that effect other people - they were my rainbow today.
Jamie, I loved your post! I tend to struggle with the fix it jobs in life. I'm so glad a nice older man was there to help. I like to think that God sends in angels just when we need them. I will miss your gentle, sweet spirit in class. You were an inspiration to me!
ReplyDeleteJamie I love your stories. We all have those days where things go wrong or we are worried about this and that. Those two random people made your day today and were compassionate to you. Even though I know you were probably compassionate to people all day you don't, so I have a little advice. Pay the strangers compassion forward. When you see someone struggle or look like they are having a bad day give them a smile or lend them a hand. You will probably never have an assigned day of compassion again but it doesn't mean you should stop doing it. Make each day a day of compassion, some might not come easy, just like today, but one day your compassion will make some stranger's day!
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeleteI loved your story today! It was a total hit! And, I am glad that you were able to get thru the day. I know when I have a migraine, the last thing I want to do is be nice. Being nice to ourselves is the hardest thing to do. Most times we would not treat other people even close to the way we treat ourselves. The best thing is, tomorrow is another day. Sweet dreams!