Hello. Welcome to another week at Humbly Courageous. Thanks for being here!
Sometimes, we have days or even weeks of kindness that touch our lives. This was one of those weeks for me. I’ve just been overwhelmed with the love I’ve felt this week, and I’ve spread a little kindness here and there too.
My week started off at a doctor’s appointment that I usually dread because it involves all the things. My annual skin check. If you’ve had one you know what it involves. Maybe not a big deal to most, but for me, it’s a lot of physical effort undressing, then dressing again. I dread trying to get on the exam table etc. The nurse asked as she was taking me back if I have any trouble with the process. She must have read my mind. I told her that I did. She took me into a room that was much more accessible. It just made the whole experience so much easier for me. I made sure to tell her how much I appreciated knowing about that. I’ve been there multiple times and she’s the first to ever ask me, and somehow it never crossed my mind to ask.
After that, I had to go to get a few groceries. As I was loading up a woman approached and asked if she could take my cart. That’s one of my favorite acts of kindness. I hate leaving my cart by my car, but normally I don’t have the strength to walk it to the cart corral after a trip through the store. (They really need cart corrals at the accessible parking spots!) I thanked her and told her how much I appreciated that, and we chatted for a minute. Turns out, she has family members who live with Muscular Dystrophy, and they all read my weekly column that I write for the local paper. It was so great to meet her. I don’t think moments like this are purely coincidental. I believe God places certain people in our paths. That’s just how I think! It’s so rare to meet someone else who is affected by MD just out and about.
Then, I had a meeting with Hamilton County Tourism. They had found my column and my blog and reached out to see how we may be able to collaborate with my writing and some local experiences. They are eager to learn more about disabilities and how we can work together to bring about more awareness surrounding accessibility in the community. The ladies I met with were so genuine and kind. I’m super excited for these upcoming collaborations. Stay turned for more on that in the coming weeks!
Those were a few of the more standout moments of kindness this week, but I feel like there were a few more sprinkled in.
Finally, I want to share a story about how simple it is to share a few words of kindness, and the impact we can make by doing something so simple. I was checking out at the store again today (having my college boy home for the summer calls for way more food with two boys here. I’m still adjusting, haha!) The cashier was just so sweet and lovely. We had the best conversation. As I took my bag from her, I hesitated, but then decided to tell her...”I really appreciate your kindness. You are the kind of person who makes the world a brighter place.” Her reaction surprised me. She started crying. Happy tears. She thanked me over and over while trying to compose herself. As I drove away, I wondered if maybe she doesn’t hear words of affirmation often, and that was the cause of her tears? I’ll never know, but I’m glad that I decided to tell her what was on my mind. It was clear to see it impacted her in a very positive way.
I takes humble courage to reach out to others with kindness, not always knowing how it will be received. The chance is worth taking, and I plan to be more brave in my kindness spreading efforts. Every little bit counts, and it’s free to give. Don’t forget it! 💚
Check out my weekly column “Disability in the City” in The Hamilton County Reporter. https://readthereporter.com/lonely-in-a-crowd/
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