Salwa - thank you for sharing, not only the "incident" and why it disturbed you, but, to me, more importantly how you thought about it and figured out - are figuring it out still - what it came to represent for you and how to put it into context for yourself and how to "process it."
Bronce, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I think so much of life is just figuring it out as we go. I really appreciate you taking the time to reflect with me on this. 🙏🏼
Salwa, I empathize completely with your story—thank you for sharing it. I wrote about the macros and micros of human behavior in my post on “My Existential Resolution for the New Year”. It is also on my new website at annlvivian.com as a blog. I invite you to check it out and tell me what you think… my best wishes to you, Ann
Thank you, Ann! I love exploring the macro and micro layers of human behavior—it’s fascinating how the small things reflect the bigger picture. I’d definitely check out your post and your blog. Wishing you the best on your writing journey 🤍
I’m so moved by this story. I’m so stunned by how beautiful you are inside and out. Thank you for sharing something so simple, so vulnerable- and so powerful 🤍✨🕊️
Allison, thank you for your incredibly kind words—they truly mean so much to me. I’m so grateful this story resonated with you. Sending you love and light! 🤍✨🕊️
Allison, I can’t even tell you how much your words mean to me. I’m so happy that my posts are able to add something special to your Saturday mornings. You make my heart smile! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this journey. Sending you all my gratitude 💛✨
Salwa, thank you for sharing this and being able to see the other side of this. I learned a lot from your experience and thoughts. Hoping that you continue to see the small things that make this life great. Hugs!
Thank you so much Kimberly, I’m really glad my reflections resonated with you. Here’s to noticing the small, beautiful things that make life brighter. Sending you a big hug
In your powerful reflection, you've beautifully articulated a profound truth about human resilience and choice. Your words resonate deeply - that fairness isn't guaranteed, but compassion is always within our grasp. By choosing to process challenging experiences through a lens of grace, you've transformed potential pain into wisdom. The strength in your perspective lies not in denying the systemic challenges or personal hurts, but in recognizing that compassion is a deliberate, transformative act.
You've demonstrated that when we refuse to let unkindness breed bitterness, we open ourselves to a more expansive understanding of human connection. Your insight that compassion costs nothing yet can change everything is a testament to the remarkable human capacity for growth.
Leborah, thank you for this deeply thoughtful response. Your words truly mean so much. Compassion is a choice, and while it’s not always easy, I believe it’s what keeps us connected in a world that often feels unkind. I really appreciate you taking the time to reflect with me on this!
Thank you for your kind words and for creating such a thoughtful space for reflection. I am deeply grateful for your vulnerability and creativity in engaging with these important themes. Your willingness to explore complex ideas with compassion and empathy is truly inspiring!
Leborah, I’m so touched by your beautiful response. Your words inspire me, and I’m truly grateful for the space we’re able to create together through these reflections. It’s heartening to know that my vulnerability has resonated with you, and your support means more than I can express. Thank you for your continued encouragement and for sharing your own wisdom so generously! 💛
Hi Salwa, I am glad you chose to address the hurt and shared it as well. It is not a small matter! A struggle no matter how small will be compounded when faced daily! I feel you! It is bullying! Been there too! I pray God will ease your situation and open a way for you! Hugs!
Hi Jen, thank you so much for your kindness and understanding. You’re right—small struggles add up, especially when they’re constant. I truly appreciate your prayers and support. Sending you a big hug right back!
Salwa, the act of kindness and compassion certainly meant a lot. If, for some reason, the person was given exclusive access that could not be shared, at least this could have been explained to you. You tell the story of many who have felt excluded or slighted because of a privileged few. Thank you for sharing. -Jim
Thank you, Jim. That’s exactly it—kindness and a simple explanation could have made all the difference. I appreciate you recognising the bigger picture in this and for sharing your thoughtful perspective.
I love your writing! I was angry and hurt for you! I was ready to break into that parking lot for you! Thank you for not only sharing your story but showing the journey of compassion you have for people.
Thank you so much! Your support means a lot, and I love that you were ready to take action for me! 😂 I really appreciate you coming along on this journey of reflection and compassion with me.
It is so easy to give in to the survival-of-the-fittest, dog-eat-dog mentality. Many do. Thank you for seeing and sharing the bigger picture. When I need a mood-booster, I watch Steve Hartman’s ‘On the Road’ videos (a CBS news feature, but you can check them out on YouTube).
Brenda, thank you for this thoughtful comment. It really is so easy to slip into that mindset, but I truly believe there’s always room for more compassion. I’ll definitely check out Steve Hartman’s ‘On the Road’—sounds like the kind of perspective shift we all need sometimes. Wishing you the best as well!
Nancy, thank you for your thoughtful words and you’re so right—entitlement and fairness rarely go hand in hand. I really appreciate your kindness and perspective, and I’m holding onto the small moments of compassion where I can. Wishing you the best as well!
Katie, thank you so much! It’s not always easy, but choosing peace and kindness feels like the best way forward. I really appreciate your thoughtful words
It is absolutely about the lack of caring. I am teaching Elie Wiesel's "The Perils of Indifference" to my students right now, and we are talking about what indifference really means. How "the lack of caring" favors the oppressor. It's so important. Thank you for discussing it here.
Jess, thanks such an important lesson, and The Perils of Indifference is such a powerful piece. Indifference allows injustice to persist, and I truly believe that even small acts of care can make a difference. Thank you for sharing this and for the work you’re doing with your students!
Salwa - thank you for sharing, not only the "incident" and why it disturbed you, but, to me, more importantly how you thought about it and figured out - are figuring it out still - what it came to represent for you and how to put it into context for yourself and how to "process it."
Well done Salwa! 🙏
Bronce, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I think so much of life is just figuring it out as we go. I really appreciate you taking the time to reflect with me on this. 🙏🏼
It’s my pleasure Salwa :)
Salwa, I empathize completely with your story—thank you for sharing it. I wrote about the macros and micros of human behavior in my post on “My Existential Resolution for the New Year”. It is also on my new website at annlvivian.com as a blog. I invite you to check it out and tell me what you think… my best wishes to you, Ann
Thank you, Ann! I love exploring the macro and micro layers of human behavior—it’s fascinating how the small things reflect the bigger picture. I’d definitely check out your post and your blog. Wishing you the best on your writing journey 🤍
Salsa, I agree with Bronce—you figured out the “macro” aspect of your “micro” problem.
Ann thank you! It’s always interesting how small moments can reveal something much bigger. I appreciate you reading and reflecting with me 💛
I’m so moved by this story. I’m so stunned by how beautiful you are inside and out. Thank you for sharing something so simple, so vulnerable- and so powerful 🤍✨🕊️
Allison, thank you for your incredibly kind words—they truly mean so much to me. I’m so grateful this story resonated with you. Sending you love and light! 🤍✨🕊️
I love saving your comments for my Saturday morning. Seriously, it’s such a lovely start to my weekend! Salwa, I’m so grateful for you!
Allison, I can’t even tell you how much your words mean to me. I’m so happy that my posts are able to add something special to your Saturday mornings. You make my heart smile! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this journey. Sending you all my gratitude 💛✨
Salwa, thank you for sharing this and being able to see the other side of this. I learned a lot from your experience and thoughts. Hoping that you continue to see the small things that make this life great. Hugs!
Thank you so much Kimberly, I’m really glad my reflections resonated with you. Here’s to noticing the small, beautiful things that make life brighter. Sending you a big hug
Hug needed and received!!! Thank you…
💜
Salwa!
In your powerful reflection, you've beautifully articulated a profound truth about human resilience and choice. Your words resonate deeply - that fairness isn't guaranteed, but compassion is always within our grasp. By choosing to process challenging experiences through a lens of grace, you've transformed potential pain into wisdom. The strength in your perspective lies not in denying the systemic challenges or personal hurts, but in recognizing that compassion is a deliberate, transformative act.
You've demonstrated that when we refuse to let unkindness breed bitterness, we open ourselves to a more expansive understanding of human connection. Your insight that compassion costs nothing yet can change everything is a testament to the remarkable human capacity for growth.
Leborah, thank you for this deeply thoughtful response. Your words truly mean so much. Compassion is a choice, and while it’s not always easy, I believe it’s what keeps us connected in a world that often feels unkind. I really appreciate you taking the time to reflect with me on this!
Thank you for your kind words and for creating such a thoughtful space for reflection. I am deeply grateful for your vulnerability and creativity in engaging with these important themes. Your willingness to explore complex ideas with compassion and empathy is truly inspiring!
Leborah, I’m so touched by your beautiful response. Your words inspire me, and I’m truly grateful for the space we’re able to create together through these reflections. It’s heartening to know that my vulnerability has resonated with you, and your support means more than I can express. Thank you for your continued encouragement and for sharing your own wisdom so generously! 💛
Hi Salwa, I am glad you chose to address the hurt and shared it as well. It is not a small matter! A struggle no matter how small will be compounded when faced daily! I feel you! It is bullying! Been there too! I pray God will ease your situation and open a way for you! Hugs!
Hi Jen, thank you so much for your kindness and understanding. You’re right—small struggles add up, especially when they’re constant. I truly appreciate your prayers and support. Sending you a big hug right back!
Salwa, the act of kindness and compassion certainly meant a lot. If, for some reason, the person was given exclusive access that could not be shared, at least this could have been explained to you. You tell the story of many who have felt excluded or slighted because of a privileged few. Thank you for sharing. -Jim
Thank you, Jim. That’s exactly it—kindness and a simple explanation could have made all the difference. I appreciate you recognising the bigger picture in this and for sharing your thoughtful perspective.
I love your writing! I was angry and hurt for you! I was ready to break into that parking lot for you! Thank you for not only sharing your story but showing the journey of compassion you have for people.
Thank you so much! Your support means a lot, and I love that you were ready to take action for me! 😂 I really appreciate you coming along on this journey of reflection and compassion with me.
Thank you for mentioning me in your article. I loved the piece and learned from you a way to handle situations.
Thank you so much Judi 🤍
It is so easy to give in to the survival-of-the-fittest, dog-eat-dog mentality. Many do. Thank you for seeing and sharing the bigger picture. When I need a mood-booster, I watch Steve Hartman’s ‘On the Road’ videos (a CBS news feature, but you can check them out on YouTube).
Wishing you the best…
Brenda, thank you for this thoughtful comment. It really is so easy to slip into that mindset, but I truly believe there’s always room for more compassion. I’ll definitely check out Steve Hartman’s ‘On the Road’—sounds like the kind of perspective shift we all need sometimes. Wishing you the best as well!
"This isn’t about entitlement—it’s about fairness. Rules, if they exist, should be applied equally."
Rules should apply equally, but they don't because of entitlement--and entitlement has no fairness.
I am so very sorry that the unfairness of this situation has bitten you, no once, but twice.
Compassion however briefly shone is a wonderful thing. And finding any kind of peace in the situation says so much about you. Wishing you the best.
Nancy, thank you for your thoughtful words and you’re so right—entitlement and fairness rarely go hand in hand. I really appreciate your kindness and perspective, and I’m holding onto the small moments of compassion where I can. Wishing you the best as well!
I love this Salwa.
Thank you for showing us such a healthy way of navigating those
hard emotions. Choosing peace, kindness, and love amidst that sting of inequity is no small feat.
Katie, thank you so much! It’s not always easy, but choosing peace and kindness feels like the best way forward. I really appreciate your thoughtful words
Reading this I felt your pain. Solidarity.
Amanda, thank you—I truly appreciate your solidarity. It means a lot to know I’m not alone in this. Sending you warmth and understanding
Salwa, I am so sorry this experience was so painful, what a nasty thing that woman did to you. I'm glad you got through it🙏🏾
Thank you Rebecca. I appreciate you
You're welcome Salwa. I appreciate you also.
It is absolutely about the lack of caring. I am teaching Elie Wiesel's "The Perils of Indifference" to my students right now, and we are talking about what indifference really means. How "the lack of caring" favors the oppressor. It's so important. Thank you for discussing it here.
Jess, thanks such an important lesson, and The Perils of Indifference is such a powerful piece. Indifference allows injustice to persist, and I truly believe that even small acts of care can make a difference. Thank you for sharing this and for the work you’re doing with your students!