Yesterday I went to my local coffee and bagel shop and treated myself to a little something just for me. It's been a rough few weeks as my father passed away not long ago. My emotions have been surprisingly unpredictable. I find myself crying over magazine articles, unsure what struck me so deeply. I guess this is normal, just unfamiliar territory in which I am treading.
One outspoken employee was complaining to another, quite loudly, how much her heel was hurting her. She commented over and over again how annoying it was, and how she was trying to avoid putting pressure on it while she was going about her work. I had to stifle a laugh as an annoyed co-worker chimed in to say her brain hurt.
As I was the only customer standing in front of them, they then turned to me to ask if I wanted in on the conversation. I am certain they were expecting some short clip about a paper cut or bug bite. What jumped off my lips was more real. "My heart hurts," I simply said. Being caught of guard, they simply stared at me. I could almost hear one of them thinking, "The employee handbook doesn't say what to do in this situation." After a quick detailless explanation, I thanked them for my purchase and left.
My heart hurts. Yes, that is what ails me right now. I am not afraid to be honest, even with strangers. I think we'd all be more compassionate if we kept in mind that those around us may have hurts we know nothing about. Yes, some are physical - an aching heal or a pulled muscle. But many of the aches out there cannot be fixed with ice and stretching. Hurt is all around us. It is a part of life. Pay attention to it. And once in a while, treat yourself to a little something simply because it will make you smile.
