Every Little Piece Can Change the World

 

 

One little bit.

Yesterday, I went for a walk to the place where the locals play "pétanque," a Provence game of balls.

It was the first time since I left the hospital that I went outside, and the weather has been flawlessly, usually warm. 

I was in a terrible mood of self-pity and frustration. Not my best look. I wasn't aiming at gold stars. 

One of the players, I recognize many of the locals, though I am an invisible woman, that is another story soon to come, smiled and waved to me.

That little bit of kindness melted me.

My tears welled up. That greeting overwhelmed me, giving me a pat on the back that I needed.

Did he know that? Nope, he was being kind. 

How often do we miss the opportunity for kindness? How often do I stumble in myself that I forget others?

A wave can change the world.

 

 

Comments

[Rebecca]

xoxo

[g]

I agree with everything you have written here-i too am invisible even in places i should not be-it hurts then frustrates and then angers-if i let it-i must fight that succession - when i ask HOW ARE YOU of someone in line at the gas pump or anywhere i mean it and wait for the real response looking at body language facial expressions and such - sometimes just recognizing the brave front someone is wearing melts the front and a genuine exchange happens we part and i listen to see if the next words are more upbeat -they usually are SEEING ANOTHER --REALLY SEEING ANOTHER matters more than anything.

[marilyn]

Sweetness in a pat on the back.
Recently I have noticed that when I say a kind word to someone in the market they just perk up and smile. I told myself that for 2023 I am going to have more words of kindness to people I encounter out and about, as I love seeing that smile.

[Jeanne]

We all need kindness each and every day
Kindness is the highest form of wisdom
Each day I have my candles glowing and prayers growing
God bless you my dear friend
I am glad you were able to get out for a little walk
Baby steps
Hugs

[Debbie]

A lovely reminder of the power of a small kind gesture! Hope you continue to feel better!

[Anne Maitland]

I hope you know I’m madly waving at you!

[Susan in Zurich]

Waving from Switzerland!!
💟

[Sue J.]

sending light and love, friend.

[Myra]

Thanks for reminding us. A few days ago,as I left the house for a much needed walk & pickup.. I vowed to lift up whoever I encountered. It is so easy to do. & lifts us in a way nothing else does. Kindness feels so darn good!..all of us in this time & place, see you & love you, Corey. Healthy & whole in 2023

[Judy]

All of the comments are uplifting. If each of us tries to spread a little kindness maybe we can make a difference in this contentious, angry world. Engaging in a little conversation with a clerk, leaving a treat in the mailbox for the postman, smiling at the people you meet on the street--all this little stuff can add up to big stuff. In my city there are many Random Acts of Kindness groups. Most consist of 12 who gather once a month and put $20 in the pot. The hostess decides where to give the money and it is always done anonymously. One time I had given $100 away but I still had $150. I called a school in a low-income neighborhood. The resource teacher said, "I can't believe you called just now. I was leaving to talk to a landlord of one of our families who is going to be evicted. I need $250 and I've managed to collect $100 from the staff. $150 is exactly the amount needed to pay the rent.
A friend of mine was in NYC on 9/11 and came home wondering what she could do to make a difference in the world. She gathered 11 friends and they came up with this model and now there are more than 30anonymous groups anonymously helping others. Whew, that's a long comment!

[Shelley Noble]

I must have BLOCKED OUT the info that you were in hospital, Corey! I can never picture you unwell. Relieved to know you are out of it now and recovering to wellness once again, please God.

[Momof5]

“I was in a terrible mood of self-pity and frustration. Not my best look. I wasn't aiming at gold stars.”
Boy can I relate! Illness will do that to you. I love everything about this post. Short story… years ago I brought my young troubled son to a new doctor. My son had spent his first years in the foster care system and wasn’t about to let love into his life. I was a frazzled mom of 5 (hence my name here) doing the best I could. When I left the appointment that doctor looked at me and said, “just remember you are doing God’s work”. I have never forgotten that kindness and it too made me me cry.

[Marilyn Marcus]

I smile and wave to you, Corey. And pray you will feel much better very, very soon.

[Kathy]

Somehow I missed this message, dear friend. Just what I needed to hear. Love to you...