Hello my friends!! I hope you are doing well! I just returned from two weeks away in Florida soaking up some sun and spending time with new and old friends. It was an amazing trip! Look for a little more on my trip in my next blog!
Upon my return I had two airport interactions that could not have been more different! I wanted to share them with you because after some reflection it was an ah-ha moment for me.
When I returned it was a Sunday, early evening. As I was waiting for my luggage to come onto the baggage claim area I noticed an older woman, around 90 waiting for her bag. She was pacing a bit and the area was crowded. I have to admit she reminded me of my grandmother so that tugged at my heartstrings a bit and I could tell she was anxious. I approached her and asked if I could help her find her bag. She gave me a big side squeeze and said, “oh thank you so much I don’t think it is here yet.” I said okay, I’m right here if you need help let me know. We chatted a little about where she was from and the flight then I stepped back a bit. As I turned her daughter and granddaughter were standing there and thanked me for offering to help her, they said she is very independent. I laughed and said I understand that and that it was great to talk with her, she is precious. They said thank you, our bags came and we were all on our way.
Fast forward 4 days I am once again at the airport this time picking up my mother-in-law. The place was absolutely packed, cars were double parked, not a place to park in site. As I spotted her I noticed there was a spot ahead however, half of the car would be in the bus lane. I would normally find another spot (I’m a total rule follower) but there was nothing as far as the eye could see ahead. She was heading my way so I took the spot, the bus was coming but I knew with traffic we had at least a minute or two. As I got out of my car a man (just a bystander) started yelling that I was in the bus lane. I said I know I’m getting someone she is right here. He then yelled you fu*^ing moron. I stopped, taken off guard and out of my mouth came something I didn’t plan or expect. I said, “thank you for your kind words.” I continued to load my mother in laws bags and he again yelled you fu*^ing moron, as I started back to the car he was yelling again and saying things to those around him. So, I stepped back and said, “thank you so much for your compassion, I really appreciate it, have a great day” as I said this I placed my hands on my heart. He was taken off guard and looked at me very perplexed as a few people to his side started giggling. Maybe they were giggling at me maybe at him, I’ll never know.
As I reflect back on the moment, I don’t know what came over me, how I was so calm or how I threw that heavy suitcase in the back of the car like it didn’t weigh anything. I think of the choices that man had and if I was in his place what I would do. I always hope to put more kindness into the world than I take out and with these moments I hopefully did that. Each in very different ways. ((AH-HA))
Ironically enough I picked up this new tank while on my trip! Apparently the spiritual gangster inside me took over! Haha
Here is to creating more kindness!
XOXO
H2
