I don't usually write personal blogs but am making an exception on this occasion as I wanted to talk about small acts of kindness and the ripple effects they can have, especially in times of sadness and uncertainty.
A while ago I found out that a very dear friend of mine has been receiving palliative care for a terminal illness and didn't want to cause sadness in my life by telling me sooner. This lady is one of the most amazing and strong people I have ever had the pleasure knowing and I am proud to be able to call her a friend. I feel privileged to have known her and had her in my life for the past 15 years and I am saddened beyond belief at what she has been and is still going through. At the same time I feel blessed that I have at least been able to let her know how important she is to me. We've laughed and cried and supported each other over the years with a few glasses of wine along the way and yet I still wish I had made a greater effort to see her more regularly. I know I am not alone in experiencing this feeling when someone we are close to becomes very unwell or is taken away from us unexpectedly. We sometimes forget to make the time for those who are important to us, believing even if at a subconscious level, that its ok as we will see them again at some point soon.
Later the same day I was in the pharmacy collecting a prescription for my mother, on the way to picking up my father from his weekly club. As I waited the lady in front of me was trying to request a prescription and look after her boisterous son at the same time. In addition she had two other children with her and was trying to speak to someone else on her mobile. The whole situation became too much and she ended up in tears. I could see how overwhelmed she was and how much she was trying to keep all her plates spinning yet feeling as if she wasn't getting anywhere, so I did something I have never done before. I asked if she'd like a hug. I had no idea how she would react, in fact in that moment I didn't even think about it. Thankfully, she responded positively and as I gave her that hug I said I could see that she was doing the best she could with what she had. She thanked me and although I couldn't offer her anything else I'd just wanted her to feel like she wasn't invisible or alone. As I left the pharmacy I recognised that my friend's small act of kindness earlier in the day had influenced my reaction in that moment.
My friend was acting out of pure kindness by not wanting to cause sadness in my life and that act of kindness resonated with me at some level that day having a ripple effect. I wanted to show kindness to someone who was in clear distress even though I'd never met her before. Like so many of us I may not have reacted in that way if I hadn't received the news I had earlier that day. I may well have looked away to try to reduce any feelings of embarrassment on her or my behalf and felt it wasn't my place to get involved or even assumed she wouldn't want me to. There were other people waiting in the pharmacy at the time who were doing exactly that and that is perfectly understandable too. I think we are all capable of showing those we care about and strangers some compassion and kindness in unexpected and unfamiliar ways and the outcome can be a good feeling for all those involved.
If you are struggling to cope Hypnotherapy can be very helpful in reducing feelings of loss, sadness or overwhelm #Hypnotherapy
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