My mail lady is going through some changes with the postal service. The other day I asked her, “How are you doing?” and she said, “I’m making $6,000 a year less and doing the same work!” I wasn’t expecting that.
This week, I dropped a note in the mailbox for her along with a Starbuck’s gift card. I sat and stared at the blank piece of card stock for quite a while, pen in hand while trying to pluck the right words from my heart onto the paper, but then realized it didn’t need to be spellbinding. She would probably appreciate the gift card without a note, or a note with no gift card. As a writer, I get too caught up in the words and it prolongs the gesture.
Almost everyone who crosses our path is going through something horrid. On the surface they act like everything is fine, but by standing still as if waiting to hear more they’ll share deeper. It’s such sacred ground to stand on while someone is bearing their soul in our presence and all we need to do is listen.
All they need is to be heard. Saying the words out loud validates the feelings and often brings clarity long after I’ve walked away. Nothing stays the same for long and whatever you’re going through, it will pass, but while we’re in it, the situation looks and feels horrid. Don’t lose heart my lovely.
In order to clear the path, we may be asked to go through a season of horrid.
Inbarbsworld 
You are so right, Barb, we can never know what others are going through and it’s probably not a good thing to ask them in most cases.
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Hi John and I’m curious as to why you wouldn’t ask?
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Because it may be very inappropriate to ask, I don’t like to offend people.
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Oh gosh…I don’t worry about offending anyone. Nowadays a rock can be offended. It’s a moment of caring when you ask, “How are you?”, and if I can clearly see something is off, I’ll ask…”How are you really?” If they want to unburden themselves, it’s like creating a safe space for them to do so. The key is to never say a word of what they shared.
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I would have to be there to understand if it’s okay to talk to them about it. How can she be making $6000 less?
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This is true. It’s all about the politics of the postal service, my darling.
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I believe that this service should be shut down and run by private enterprises. And without a union…
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Moving on to another facet of your post. I love that you care about people who are only on the edges of your life. Lending your hear for a moment might make a difference to them. Kudos! 🤍
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Thank you lovely. You know me…I love the edges of life! I made up my mind years ago that I didn’t want people to remember me because I was famous…I want them to remember how I made them feel and I hope they always feel loved and seen. 💖
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Hi Barb,
What a sweet gesture! I am with you, I always ask and always try to brighten up someone’s day.
Blessings to you!
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Thank you Ana and you’re a ray of sunshine for certain! 🌞
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I love how you phrased it Barb. When someone bears their soul like that, it really is sacred ground. And you’re so right, everyone is carrying some type of cross. Thanks for your kind wisdom.
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Thank you Brian. ✨
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Well said
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Thank you LA. 💜
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