Great piece Sue. Stranger is an interesting word. In the present context, there are many subversive ways we are being told that anything strange, different, peculiar or weird should be approached with caution or not at all. Kindness brings calmness in my opinion and what better way to keep calm and carry on. The unrealised power we all have in making others feel acknowledged and appreciated can be heady. Simply telling someone you like their coat, asking them how they like their work, letting them go first, asking if they need help..even a shared eye-roll can on the subway make us feel better as well. It is a quid pro quo reflex that can be developed and serve as touchstones in the future when we need a reminder....like Dianna Dingle
There ARE good people in this world, for sure. People who can relate to those who need help.
Often it's just a smile, or help with a trolley as you showed.
I loved your story about the airport. What a fabulous and generous lady.
It helps to know that there are good sorts out there who don't bully and hurt. Especially at the moment with the behaviour we're seeing. It restores our faith in human nature.
Loved this post! I've seen and experienced a HUGE uptick in the kindness of strangers in the last months. It's been amazing. Close to 100% of vehicles have backed up into the parking lot they were exiting when they see me riding toward them on my bike. Last year? About 2% of vehicles did that. So many more people in my office building of 20+ floors, have held open elevator doors and exterior doors, they've offered to help me carry bulky packages when they see me struggle. Drivers on MoPac have been GRACIOUS in letting merging traffic in and out, even waving a "thank you" in their rear view mirrors. There's SO much light shining on the darkness. Hope is eternal, despite the fear-mongering. My wish for Austin weather channels: they change their tag line to "Your Local Weather" instead of "First Warning Weather". 😁
What a wonderful and inspiring post. Lovely quote at the end, too. I'm quite emotional these days with the of the school term, saying goodbyes, getting ready to set off to see my mom, etc. So, your post is timely and really heartwarming. I feel so vulnerable when we're out in the world, especially air travel, and I'm reminded through you of the kindness of strangers.
Your opening paragraphs reminded me of a Thai saying "greng jai" which basically means, don't bother people, don't be a nuisance and for a season I remember how much I rallied against that idea because as an expat, heck, person in the world, we need to know when we need help and ask for it!
Great piece Sue. Stranger is an interesting word. In the present context, there are many subversive ways we are being told that anything strange, different, peculiar or weird should be approached with caution or not at all. Kindness brings calmness in my opinion and what better way to keep calm and carry on. The unrealised power we all have in making others feel acknowledged and appreciated can be heady. Simply telling someone you like their coat, asking them how they like their work, letting them go first, asking if they need help..even a shared eye-roll can on the subway make us feel better as well. It is a quid pro quo reflex that can be developed and serve as touchstones in the future when we need a reminder....like Dianna Dingle
Such true observations, Annie! I agree with everything you say here. (As usual!) Thank you so much xo
Such a lovely post, Sue.
There ARE good people in this world, for sure. People who can relate to those who need help.
Often it's just a smile, or help with a trolley as you showed.
I loved your story about the airport. What a fabulous and generous lady.
It helps to know that there are good sorts out there who don't bully and hurt. Especially at the moment with the behaviour we're seeing. It restores our faith in human nature.
Thanks Prue and yes, exactly. It's too easy to only see the negative at the moment.
Loved this post! I've seen and experienced a HUGE uptick in the kindness of strangers in the last months. It's been amazing. Close to 100% of vehicles have backed up into the parking lot they were exiting when they see me riding toward them on my bike. Last year? About 2% of vehicles did that. So many more people in my office building of 20+ floors, have held open elevator doors and exterior doors, they've offered to help me carry bulky packages when they see me struggle. Drivers on MoPac have been GRACIOUS in letting merging traffic in and out, even waving a "thank you" in their rear view mirrors. There's SO much light shining on the darkness. Hope is eternal, despite the fear-mongering. My wish for Austin weather channels: they change their tag line to "Your Local Weather" instead of "First Warning Weather". 😁
So wonderful to hear, Mary B and you are 💯 about re-naming that weather resource! No more "Weather brought to you by Eeyore" lol. Thanks for this!
😁
You made my day! Thanks for the unexpected joy.
So happy - we definitely need some joy right about now x
Lovely tale and kind message wrapped in a deceptively simple prose.
What a wonderful and inspiring post. Lovely quote at the end, too. I'm quite emotional these days with the of the school term, saying goodbyes, getting ready to set off to see my mom, etc. So, your post is timely and really heartwarming. I feel so vulnerable when we're out in the world, especially air travel, and I'm reminded through you of the kindness of strangers.
Your opening paragraphs reminded me of a Thai saying "greng jai" which basically means, don't bother people, don't be a nuisance and for a season I remember how much I rallied against that idea because as an expat, heck, person in the world, we need to know when we need help and ask for it!
Love this, Sue, xo
Thanks, Lani. I think we are all feeling a bit vulnerable right now and pretending not to! Enjoy your time away xo
What an uplifting post, Sue! I’m grateful for the light you brought today!
So pleased to hear this - thank you, Susan! x
Great piece once again
Thank you, I appreciate this very much.
I can so relate to the kindness of strangers, especially when travelling.