A little consideration

August 2, 2011

It happens every day.  A slightly older woman got onto the T (the subway) and was clearly not completely steady on her feet.  She looked around for an empty seat.  She came over to one which was wet (I prefer not to consider the possible reasons for that.)  I wanted to help, but I was standing too.  Most people were either too wrapped up in their own books, phones, games, lives to notice, or else they pretended not to notice.  Like I said, it happens every day.  And then a woman looked right over, signaled to this lady, and offered her seat.  The lady declined, said she’d be fine.  The woman simply said “If you change your mind, let me know.”  She was kind, respectful, thoughtful.  The lady was clearly appreciative.  I was a bystander, but it warmed my heart all the same.

The next time you’re on a train or bus, look up.  If you see someone who needs a seat and you’re capable of standing, remember how lucky you are to have the option to stand, and offer your seat.  You’ll feel better and so will they.

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Posted by chronicrants

A little thoughtfulness goes a long way….

July 24, 2011

Like so many, my department is split between two floors.  The office building has an elevator, of course, but most people just run up and down the stairs between meetings.  Of course, not all of us can so easily handle a flight of stairs.  I’m still in between on that – some days I can, some days I can’t.

The other day, a coworker and I were headed to a meeting upstairs.  We walked out the main door, into the hallway, my coworker in the lead.  As she reached the stairs, she turned back and asked if I could take the stairs, or if I’d prefer the elevator.  I was amazed.  Sure, I’ve worked there for a while, but people forget all the time.  This simple gesture of thoughtfulness meant so much.  She actually took a moment to think about the fact that I might not be able to walk up those stairs, and was going to adjust her pattern to meet my needs.  I truly believe that if everyone could do that from time to time, the world would be a better, happier place.  Until then, let’s at least thank the thoughtful people who go out of their way to think of us in large and small ways.

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Posted by chronicrants

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