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Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

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! 🙏

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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. 🙏🏼

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Dr. Bronce Rice's avatar

It’s my pleasure Salwa :)

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Ann L. Vivian's avatar

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

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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 🤍

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Ann L. Vivian's avatar

Salsa, I agree with Bronce—you figured out the “macro” aspect of your “micro” problem.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Ann thank you! It’s always interesting how small moments can reveal something much bigger. I appreciate you reading and reflecting with me 💛

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Allison Riney's avatar

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 🤍✨🕊️

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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! 🤍✨🕊️

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Allison Riney's avatar

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!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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 💛✨

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Kimberly Dunham's avatar

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!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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

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Kimberly Dunham's avatar

Hug needed and received!!! Thank you…

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

💜

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Jen’s Kairos's avatar

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!

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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!

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James M. Dakis's avatar

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

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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.

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Migraine Girl 🧠's avatar

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.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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.

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Judi Bailey, M.Ed's avatar

Thank you for mentioning me in your article. I loved the piece and learned from you a way to handle situations.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you so much Judi 🤍

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Brenda's avatar

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…

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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!

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Nancy E. Holroyd, RN's avatar

"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.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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!

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Katie Ford's avatar

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.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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

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Amanda Coreishy's avatar

Reading this I felt your pain. Solidarity.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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

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Rebecca.C's avatar

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🙏🏾

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Thank you Rebecca. I appreciate you

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Rebecca.C's avatar

You're welcome Salwa. I appreciate you also.

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Jess Hope Creates's avatar

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.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

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!

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Megan Walrod's avatar

Ouch! I felt the pain when the padlocks were changed. When your number was blocked. And your capacity for greater compassion and resilience in response both speak to your strength and wisdom. “compassion doesn’t have to cost anything, but it can change everything.” So true. Thank you for sharing your experiences and how you navigate them with us. Inspiring and insightful.

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Salwa 🇬🇧's avatar

Megan, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. The padlocks and the blocked number definitely stung, but I’m choosing to focus on what I can carry forward—compassion and resilience. I truly appreciate you taking the time to reflect with me

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