𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞

The struggle is real when you’ve got writer's block. I’ve tried to write a blog for several weeks, but nothing has worked. I wrote a few lines and hoped for the best, but suddenly, this morning, I remembered an incident that sparked this blog.

We all know how kindness affects others and how it comes back tenfold. There are so many quotes about kindness, but I won’t be using any quotes here. I am going to share a story with you from nearly 15 years ago — a small incident that is still fresh as a daisy in my mind, and every time I think of that incident, it brings a smile to my face.

I was sitting in a food court in the city centre. Faiza must have been 5 years old, and Afiyah was not even 1. It was lunchtime, and the food court was extremely busy, with long queues and hangry people. Both my kids were hungry, and I was hungry and bothered, too.

I managed to get some food, push Afiyah’s stroller whilst balancing the food tray (iykyk) and find a table for the three of us to sit. Afiyah was one of the most content babies ever, and she was fine as soon as she got her meal. On the other hand, Faiza wanted my attention more since Afiyah’s birth. Whilst dealing with both kids and trying to feed them, I must’ve looked like I was struggling a lot (which I was, in all honesty).

A lady was sitting across the table from us, observing us. We exchanged smiles and carried on with our business. I carried on struggling but managed to feed the kids and eventually ate something, too. As the lady was leaving the food court, she came to me and said, “You are a wonderful mum. I’ve watched you from across the table, and you are doing such an amazing job.” I replied, “Thank you,” and before I could think and say anything else, she’d left.

Well, at that moment, when I was struggling to manage both my kids and was extremely hungry myself, I’m sure I didn’t come across as a ‘wonderful mum’, but this lady made me feel like one by saying so. Her kind words and gestures gave me a boost of confidence and helped me get through the rest of my day with a smile on my face.

This incident might seem insignificant to many, but it was a significant moment in my life. Thinking back, I really needed that boost. When you are ‘just a mum’, you blend in the background of this busy world. There’s no one to tell you, “Good job”, no one to pat you on the back, and you feel like you’ve lost your identity. And when you’re a mum of a child with additional needs, multiply the loneliness to a thousand, as there are very few people who understand what you’re going through.

I don’t know the name of this kind lady, but I remember what she looked like. Although this happened nearly 15 years ago, I haven’t forgotten her. So, if you’re reading this (I’m referring to this kind lady), you must know how much you’ve helped me over the years with one kind gesture.

Whether you are a parent or not, give yourself a pat on the back, acknowledge your hard work and accomplishments, and carry on with your day with a smile. Contrary to the title of this blog, kindness always goes a long way. Let’s spread the joy of kindness to the world, but most importantly, start each day by being kind to yourself first.

Please feel free to share your stories with me; I would love to hear them. Until next time, beautiful people, stay blessed and safe 🤗