Being a perfect mom, a loving wife, and managing a functioning home while contributing to society can be overwhelming, especially for moms with multiple children. Peace and quiet are rarely words that can be used when describing their daily lives. One woman who understands this struggle all too well is Hailey. For her, each day presents a new puzzle, and the smallest obstacles can have the biggest consequences.
One day, Hailey was on her way to work when she found herself stuck behind a slow-moving car. It tested her patience, and she was on the verge of losing her temper. After all, she was in a hurry and didn’t have time to sit idly behind a car that was going below the recommended speed for the road.
But it wasn’t until Hailey got stuck behind that car at a red light that she noticed something different. There was a note in the back window. Intrigued, she read the words and it changed her perspective on the situation.
Hailey felt compelled to share her experience on her blog, Thoughts, Dots, and Tots, as it had a profound impact on her. She realized that the note in the car’s window was a reminder that we don’t know what others are going through. We don’t have signs that display our personal struggles for the world to see. There are no indications of divorce, loss, depression, or illness taped to our shirts. If we could visually see the challenges others face, we would undoubtedly be kinder.
But Hailey believes that we shouldn’t need signs or reasons to treat strangers with kindness and empathy. We should do it without knowing what others are going through or if they “deserve” it. Let’s give everyone an extra dose of patience, kindness, and love.
The handwritten note left a lasting impact on Hailey. Instead of remaining frustrated and annoyed, she took a deep breath and chose tolerance. We can all learn from Hailey’s experience.
How many times have we been annoyed by delayed buses, rude encounters, or tardiness? And for what purpose? Getting angry doesn’t benefit anyone. Let’s treat others with compassion and kindness instead. By doing so, both we and those around us will feel better. Let’s take a deep breath and embrace Hailey’s lesson, so that life’s stresses don’t get the best of us.
Please share Hailey’s important words with your friends and family on Facebook so that more people can appreciate this valuable reminder!
**Note: The original article contained a personal story in the beginning; it’s been omitted in this rewrite.
