Iris
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop
My work schedule has been so disrupted in the last six weeks with other personal appointments. When I did work, I threw myself into it to keep my mind busy. I haven’t been taking care of my inner self and kept pushing harder. It has come at a cost and I realised this today. I have been short tempered and alternating between dismissive and demanding of my loved ones. Not a good feeling!
I carried this knowledge with me all morning and my steps grew wearier by the moment. I had to go to the shopping centre and quite spontaneously thought I’d buy some clothes while I was there. I didn’t really need them. Yes, the old retail therapy instant feel-good option. But I do believe people’s paths cross for a reason and none more so than today.
When I paid at the counter, the lady asked me the usual question, “Are you with the X club”. Another sales pitch coming on I thought with irritation, she looked up my name on the computer and then looked at me with surprise. She asked me about my line of work. I was guarded in my response. Then she told me, I had done some work with her little boy and that she and her family remembered me over the years. That was 13 years ago. He’s a young adult now and studying towards a profession. She told me she can still remember me because I worked with “kindness” and was “gentle” with him. I was really touched by what she recalled and her memory was vivid.
Driving home I realised I was emotionally fatigued and what I was missing was compassion and kindness to self. So I went out and bought some flowers. Beautiful, vibrant, purple iris. The flowers lifted my spirit and they are a luxury because I’m rarely home. They will probably wilt before I return but it felt good to have them on the table.
I guess when there are no other options available to us, a little self-compassion and kindness goes a long way. If it generates good memories for others, why can’t we remember to do this for ourselves?
Enjoy your weekend and may a random act of kindness come your way. And, if it doesn’t you always have the option to be kind to yourself.
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Options
A very inspiring post. Thank you.
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Oh! thank you! Glad you liked it. It’s been a long day lol
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And for you too, yes, absolutely, self compassion is so important.
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Thanks, Paul. Kristin Neff has some nice guided self-compassion meditations online.
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I must have a look, thank you Dawn.
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You’re welcome.
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I push myself as well, so I understand that. It isn’t always easy to stop and listen to that ‘still small voice within’ urging us to take care of ourselves. Flowers are a great start!
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Flowers really are. I rarely get a chance to have them indoors. I rather come home to no flowers than wilted flowers! I’m headed north for some warmth. Should be a good trip. Have a good weekend, Eliza.
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I am sure your family will understand, Dawn. Peace to you.
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Thank you Tracy. Back on track again … for now! lol. Appreciate your kindness.
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You’re welcome, Dawn.
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