I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. Mostly from disappointing news, issues caused by my own mistakes, frustration over mediocrity, and the truth of realizing that sometimes you just really cannot please someone no matter how hard you try.
And it’s best to just walk away and maybe pray for them a little bit that they can find peace.
Because they have chosen to focus on something that is beyond my control and also decided that an apology isn’t good enough and right at this moment I just don’t have the energy to nail myself to the cross in a demonstration of good intention.
So I am moving on.
And focusing on what I can do, what I can inspire, who does love me, and the many good things that still happen in this world every single day if we are just paying better attention.
So it’s with this that I want to thank the random kindness from the man in front of the clinic this morning. Out of nowhere this good samaritan approached me, Astrid and my step-mom. I was struggling to push her wheelchair straight as Astrid clung to me in my arms out of shyness from the strange place. It was laughable really and made me realize I should really carry a smaller purse as it did not help with our clumsy maneuvering.
This gentleman touched my shoulder and said “may I help you” and of course I said “oh gosh no, we’ve got it” and he looked at me straight in the eyes and said “but I really want to help.” And I completely gave into him, thanked him profusely, and he helped me transfer my step-mom into my van(and honestly I cannot do it alone). With tears I turned to thank him for the generosity of his time and assistance and he said “nobody should have to do anything alone..and my deed will be repaid by the service you give to others.”
And he walked away just like most people we encounter in our lives. Mearly a short blip in my life radar.
But he reminded me that truly there are so many more good people out there than bad, and if we just open ourselves up to accept some help now and then, that good things will come our way.
Pouring my heart out for Shell’s place this week.
It’s incredibly hard to accept help – let alone ASK for it. I try to offer help to someone, in some way (no matter how little) everyday, hoping that it will make this world better, even in the smallest way. Selfishly, it also makes me feel good.
I try to do the same. Sometimes I feel so busy and internally focused on my kids and what I’m doing that I need to look around more and help others as even the most things can help the most. xo
WoW..so well written. He is exactly right…noone should have to do anything alone.
Yep. This kinda ties in with my post today. I believe everyone is innately good. I just wish everyone would actually BE it. What a nice person he is…
Oh my heart. You are SO correct in that there are more good than bad people. I believe it deep down in my soul. And as often as I can, I try to be that person. Especially with strangers, knowing I really want to be kind and they may never see me again, well, it’ll hopefully lift them up just a bit.
Incredible day you had, girl.
Thank you hon. You are one of the really, really good ones.
My grocery store always asks if I’d like help out with my bags. I always decline. Even when I’ve got all 4 kids, double them in bags, and it’s raining. One time a kind bagging man didn’t ask, he just did, giving me no time to decline. On the way to my van he told me the most wonderful story about his childhood and his big brother harassing his mother. It makes me smile still. Now I try to be better at accepting help.
Also I love the thought that we should not have to do anything alone. I’ve never heard it spoken like that and it really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing.
Love this experience. I hope you always accept help now. It’s so dang hard I know.
I’m so sorry you’re having a rough time right now, but I am so happy that a little act came to you at a time you really needed it. People ARE good, I believe that, and it sounds like you needed that affirmation today. xo
This came at the most perfect time. Truly. xo
Aw, what a great story. I’m sorry for the other stuff going on in your life, but the tale of that nice man brought tears to my eyes too. Helps to put a little faith back in people.
What a touching story. I find that when I am having a REALLY bad day, even the smallest kindness can push me into teary.
Exactly. And I tear up even now thinking about it. xo
I’m not sure why it’s so hard to accept help from others, but it is. Kudos to you for “giving in”, and kudos to that gentleman for recognizing that you needed that little extra push to do so. I hope whatever is going on in your life right now resolves itself soon. Take care!
Thank you. At least now my attitude it reset. Life is truly good. xo
Oh, Tracy, thanks! I needed this today as I’ve been feeling crummy as well. You made me smile as your posts usually do! Hope the funk goes away soon. xoxo
This brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes you find humanity just when you need it most:) I’ve been in a funk lately too, and it’s those times that kindness and care from others is really needed. I’m glad you and your family experienced some of that:) Best to you.
I have a feeling after all of these comments that March is just a hard month for people. It’s interesting.
Not the kind of post I’m accustomed to reading over here.
First, get out of your funk. I’m in one, and company in a funk is not good company. If you find a way out, please let me know. I’ll follow you.
Second, thanks for sharing this. And kudos to the gentleman who refused to take no for an answer.
Hugs from AZ
Maybe we just need to take a vacation together?
Okay funk almost ever. Back to my normal posts and inappropriate swearing soon. Very soon. xoxo
Small kindnesses can make big differences. I kind of felt a little like Mother Theresa there. Head up Missy. Don’t let them drag you down.
Dana
Thank you Dana. Your comments always lift me up. And you are kind of like Mother Theresa. xo
Beautiful post, Tracy. I felt in a funk recently as well. This gorgeous weather and sunshine today has helped. I hope it is helping you too.
Perhaps I need to make you some crystal earrings to cheer you up!
Be well.
I know – we took a super long walk last night and puddle jumping was amazing therapy. xo
Oh wow, I am so glad he was there for you. I hope I am there for you when you need me too. Maybe not in person but always a call, tweet or skype away. xo
It’s people like you that make this world so amazing. Truly. You are a gem like no other.
March must just be a hard month.
I need to remember his kindness to you so that I can pay it forward as well. So many nice things are done for me and others on a daily basis that sometimes I don’t even realize.
Isn’t it crazy how we automatically decline help?
So happy you had this moment.
This brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad he was there to help, to remind you you don’t have to do it all alone.
hugs and kisses to you, my darling friend. And don’t believe for a second you’re mediocre!
I love good stories like this! Random acts of kindness make people stronger.
Just let other people obsess about things – it isn’t a reflection of you. Don’t let people drain your strength, you need it.
Good advice. I need to remember this. xo
You are loved and never mediocre, my friend.
And you’re absolutely right – there are more good people out there than we realize, and what a blessing it was for this kind stranger to cross your path. It’s a good reminder for me, as I’m too often cynical of others and usually NEVER accept help, even if I clearly need it.
That is such a beautiful story. It gave me goosebumps.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
I love your sappy side. xoxo
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling so low – clearly that man was sent your way to help in the moment, and in a bigger way as well.
So glad the gentleman didn’t take no for an answer. Sending warm hugs and positive feelings your way!!
So grateful for those people who pass quickly through our lives, but can leave an imprint.
Nice to know there are still good Samaritans.
Love,
Your Utah Friend,
Tina
Clearly he was angel sent by God for you at that moment. And his sweet words… This is such a beautiful post.
I LOVE the kindness of strangers. I feel like that when I stop to let some one out of a side road and they excitedly wave a thank you to me, I feel that in my heart. I hope that they will pass along that simple good deed.
Pay it forward!
Indeed pay it forward. Something so incredibly simple means so much. xo
I’m so sorry about the funk, but oh my, am I ever happy that this happened. And that you let it happen.
What a stunning moment to hold onto, yes?
I think we’ve gotten to a point in society where it’s hard to trust anyone especially a stranger, but majority of people are good and do mean well. It’s true, if we open our hearts, who knows what can come our way =)
Hugs from someone who DOES love you. Don’t let the crazies steal your energy, let kind strangers fill you up instead.
So well put. Love you too. xoxo
Beautiful!…that he acted in kindness, that you accepted (why is it so hard to accept help, so humbling), that one simple gesture can start to break the clouds of funk…so glad for this blessing you experienced! I have no doubt you will pay it forward, but I am quite sure it is also the result of some of your previous kindnesses catching back up to you! Thanks for sharing!
I definitely needed this reminder – that there are those out there who look for the opportunity to help and boost others up rather than avert their eyes and walk the other way. It’s so hard for me to accept help when it’s offered or sometimes to see the good intention in people when they do try to help. Thank you for sharing this story.
wow. that is such an amazing post. because of such an amazing deed. I HATE that I have a hard time doing things by myself… and those gestures – mean the world. complete awesomeness…
Look, I don’t want to freak you out or anything, but you may have just met God. Or at the very least, one of his Angels.
m.
OMG what does he want with me? Maybe you could come chat with him as I think he likes you better. xo
Oh I’m the worst for allowing anyone to help me. It seems I have worked so hard at being independent in my life that I struggle letting others assist me in even the smallest of ways. What a beautiful stranger. Sending love your way.
Angels among us… so often we look to the grandiose, the fantastic, the flashy and that which gathers attention. But really, its the small moments…the blips on life’s radar as you so eloquently coined it, that show out where the heart of life really is.
This was fabulous! I really really needed this today. SO happy you shared and even happier I read it! The man’s message hits close to home. I’m very glad he was there when you needed him to be.
Thank you. Your comment brought me to tears again just thinking about these small kindnesses we can all do for each other and how I need to stop looking for the ‘WOW’ when truthfully…I’ve already found it. xoxo
I hate to ask and accept help but it is so nice when people like this appear in our lives. Even better to know that people like this still exist.
Now that I have a toddler I appreciate the kindness of strangers so much more. Even when some one just holds the door open as I’m trying to carry bags and a baby through makes all the difference in the world!
This is Beautiful. Lovely. You are lovely. Head up.
The beautiful kindness of strangers.
I hope I have done that to someone In Real Life, along the way.
I hope I have.
I know. It’s a reminder to myself to make sure I’m here for service everyday even for the small services I can do.
How wonderful. Really, it is.
You’re right… there are so many good people out there in the world but the sad thing is that all the good seems to be outweighed by the bad that is in on the TV and in the newspapers.
such a nice reminder that just five minutes of kindness lasts so, so (so!) much longer.
Okay, the sweet side of me says, “Wowsa! That stranger is an amazing human being and that’s why I sometimes love people so much.”
The salty side of me says, “Whose ass do I need to kick?” Because no one should make my girl feel like this.
Seriously.
Love you.
And I’m sorry I said WOWSA on your blog.
WOWSA – emailing you some names and addresses for some ass kicking.
xoxo
Goodness inspires goodness. Thanks for this reminder to slow down and look around and help even in the middle of my difficulties. Hope things get better for you.
What a touching story — and while I have no idea what’s gone on in the beginning of this post . . . you’re right, there is absolutely no reason to worry about someone who wants too much to make amends. I have a hard time imagining you doing anything that would require anything more than an “I’m sorry,” to boot.
What he said to you gave me chill bumps. SO beautiful!
What a great story! It’s nice to hear that there are still strangers that will help others.
Sorry you’re feeling low. Good samaritans can always make you feel better. Glad it happened for you. And hope I can remember to help someone else as well. Thanks.
Those people show up. There’s no way that it’s just coincidence. I’m glad that this kind person was there for you. Hugs XOXO
I know. They do, don’t they. I love this planet sometimes. People are good.
Im so glad he stepped in and was insistent and also gave you respect by saying that he really wanted to help. It had to have made it easier to take his assistance. What a great post, thank you for linking up to PYHO with it!
Are you reading my mind again? Im speechless. It is impossible for me to give up despite how much hurt someone has caused me. Glad you have found a way to move on. =)