I just returned home from a walk to the grocery store. I had a couple of things to pick up and the sun is shining, so it's a good excuse for a walk.
Going to the grocery store engenders strong emotions in me. Some days I feel invisible and I feel sad and alone. Those are the days when people run into my cart or cut in front of me or stop in the middle of the aisle and never offer an apology or even recognize that they've inconvenienced me. Let me stop right here and own the fact, that I'm sure there have been days that I've been that person for others.
Today's trip started off rocky. A woman walked in front of my cart three times and stopped. I had nowhere to go. She didn't acknowledge me. Frustrated, I moved around her and tried to remember one of my mantras, "Everyone has a story." I imagined she might be having a troublesome day and I wished her well...silently, in my head.
When I arrived at the check-out, my usually swamped grocery store, had a cashier waiting for me...with no line. She was nice and said hello. We chatted for a moment. I thanked her for double bagging my first bag because I was walking. She stopped and said, "You're walking? If you'll bear with me a moment, I have something special for you." She got out the brown paper bags with handles. She double-bagged those for me and carefully packed my purchases. We reminisced about doing this when we were younger, her in New York and me in Boston. I left feeling good.
As I walked home, I remembered back to my college days of walking with grocery bags. I felt young and light and happy...just because a cashier double-bagged my groceries in paper bags. She took a few extra minutes to care for me. That meant something to me! Never underestimate the power of kindness.
This marks the end of a month of writing slices. Thank you for reading! It's been a month of growth and learning for me. I'm grateful for the experience.
I'm announcing my participation in the #100dayproject on Instagram. I have a plan. It begins tomorrow. I am going to try and post my "projects" here too...so keep an eye out. We will see how this goes! Check out the hashtag on Instagram, if you'd like to join me!
March is the Slice of Life Challenge.
I'll be sharing a post each day in the month of March.
Please join me at Two Writing Teachers to read more slices!
Like a mentioned in my comment yesterday, you have a friendly, inviting voice when you write. I feel like I'm your best friend and you are talking right to me. I loved your slice. Your kindness to the woman who kept stopping shows you give grace to others. I'm happy the check-out lady did the same for you. This is my favorite line, "I felt young and light and happy...just because a cashier double-bagged my groceries in paper bags." There are some things I do that make me feel that way, too. Thank you for the slice.
ReplyDeleteYay Michelle! We did it! Happy 31st day! I love that your last slice of the challenge is about acts of kindness. It is amazing how a simple gesture and connection with another person can lift our spirits. I look forward to hearing more from you. Krista from Lit Coach Connection
ReplyDeleteMichelle- So right there with you. Except mine is more when I'm walking the dog and couples, and people with babies, and families always expect me to get off the sidewalk. I know it makes perfect sense for me to move, but sometimes it makes me feel really sad or angry, like I'm less of a person because it's just Star and me. And yes, one tiny bit of kindness or acknowledgement totally does change my mood. Can't wait to see your Instagram project- that's a site I haven't tried yet. Someday soon, perhaps!
ReplyDeleteYour post made me happy and helps renew my faith in human kindness....but my real wow is this 100 day project!!!!!! I look forward to reading....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cashier! Your story made me think of my grocery trips when I lived in Europe. I basically walked everywhere grocery store, school, church, and friends house. Everything was close by and you always saw people on the streets.
ReplyDeleteYour voice is honest and also caring. The things that make us feel valued, the things that make us sad- those are valuable to notice. I love this story's ending. Congrats on this challenge, and on having your next challenge in your pocket, ready to begin!
ReplyDeletePS- I meant to follow you more this month, but I searched for your site with a numeral one instead of writing it out, so I didn't find you- sorry!
I enjoy reading your posts, Michelle, and this one warmed my heart. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYou are right: kindness does matter. The grocery is a tough trip --- especially on the weekend. How nice of the cashier to help make it easier for you to carry groceries home.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm curious about this 100 day project. I really don't need a project, but I would like to use my Instagram a little more (and get better with it). I may have to check this out.
Good luck in the next project!
What a sweet gesture! That's all it takes ... sometimes it's a smile or a "good morning" (even to that person who is in the way) or a bag with handles! Best of luck with your new project! I'm ready for a little break ...
ReplyDeleteI love the change of perspective and how it affects the way we feel. Loving-kindness toward oneself and others goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me. xx
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