A gentle reminder: be kind, always

Last week, something happened that has been dominating my thoughts.

I was supposed to meet someone in a different part of town from my usual co-working spot, so I decided to work out of a cafe near the meeting place.

When I reached the cafe at 11 am, it had just opened and I was the only customer there.

They had these machines in one corner for people to order food, but they were switched off, so I went to a waiter who was cleaning the tables and pointed to the screens behind him to let him know that they were not working and I couldn’t place my order.

He flinched back and cowered. A second later, he stood up and said he will get them on.

I felt an immense feeling of pathos wash over me.

This gentleman was or had suffered from some abuse. I made no sudden movements, yet was full of fear and went into self-protection mode.

I observed him while eating my meal. He was always looking down. He didn’t smile once.

As I left the cafe, I thanked him for my meal and was met with a stare followed by a nod. I hope his demons are behind him and he’s on his way to recovery.

That encounter was a strong reminder that we have no idea what anyone else has gone or is going through.

Let’s be kind to people.

Today’s Prompts

Kindness

Am I truly a kind person or am I just kind enough?

What can I learn from moments when I haven’t been as kind as I could have been?

What assumptions do I often make about people I don’t know?

Quote of the day

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." — Ian Maclaren

The 'If you don’t have time’ Prompt

What’s one small act of kindness I can do today?

Get the most out of your journalling:

• Choose one prompt: Focus on just one prompt each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Be brutally honest: Reflect openly and honestly. This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

• Take your time: Sometimes it takes a few days to clarify your thinking. Here’s permission for you to take your time to unravel a prompt and not take on any new ones during that time.

• Journal your way: Whether you prefer writing, audio recording, or video, choose the method that suits you best.

• Don't stress about streaks: If you miss a day, don't worry. You can always revisit a previous prompt.

I’d love your feedback

What was your favourite prompt of the day? Is there any specific challenge you want prompts for? How can I improve the content of the newsletter? Reply this mail and let me know!