Human Kindness
And yet, another post on the adventures of having a broken ankle. What I've noticed in being able to get out and about more, is the basic human desire to do good and be kind. Yes, I really believe that underneath all of our daily griping, screaming at the TV or radio when various members of the government speak, and even among soldiers killing in Iraq, Iran and points far and wide, when given the chance, people want to be nice to each other.
This has been very apparent as strangers go out of their way to hold heavy bathroom doors, otherwise barely maneuverable on crutches, offer a seat in an otherwise crowded lecture, special dispensation at the local public pool to a private lane...the list goes on and on. Along with the wonderful friends who have stepped up to help in amazing ways, I have truly learned that to depend on "the kindness of strangers" as Blanche DuBois suggested (via Tennessee Williams) so many years ago.
As you go about your day, assume that people really do want to help, that they do want to be nice to you, they really aren't out to make your day more miserable. Perhaps, if we each can assume that, we will create a conscious circle of kindness to one another, not just acting on instinct, but working at purposefully sharing this innate kindness.
This has been very apparent as strangers go out of their way to hold heavy bathroom doors, otherwise barely maneuverable on crutches, offer a seat in an otherwise crowded lecture, special dispensation at the local public pool to a private lane...the list goes on and on. Along with the wonderful friends who have stepped up to help in amazing ways, I have truly learned that to depend on "the kindness of strangers" as Blanche DuBois suggested (via Tennessee Williams) so many years ago.
As you go about your day, assume that people really do want to help, that they do want to be nice to you, they really aren't out to make your day more miserable. Perhaps, if we each can assume that, we will create a conscious circle of kindness to one another, not just acting on instinct, but working at purposefully sharing this innate kindness.
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