InspirEmail

InspirEmail No 351 - June 2020 - You're not okay are you?
Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

You're not ok are you?

She was sitting quietly by herself, facing the window. Looking out it seemed at nothing in particular. A glass of wine cupped in her hands. Nothing obviously out of the ordinary. It was in a bistro where I often write.

I became alert to her not by the length of time she sat there but by her clearly sombre mood. So, it caught my eye when she went to the counter and returned with a second glass of wine.

'Are you ok?' I quietly asked. A nod of the head was her response. Minutes later tears began to roll down her face. 'You're not ok are you' was my statement more than a question. 'No' was her quiet response.

I waited . . . she talked . . . I listened . . . who knows for how long . . . her tragic problems pouring forth, releasing pent-up pressures in her mind, heart and soul. She eventually started to relax, even smile a little. I took the chance to lighten the discussion. Her face softened, her eyes shone a tad more brightly and her body eased. Soon a laugh emerged . . . nothing hearty but genuine and warm.

A friend of hers arrived and they prepared to leave together. She turned to me. It wasn't her words that made my heart leap . . . it was her look of soft thankfulness, her head a little higher, her shoulders a little easier, a warmth flowing in my direction. I had not solved her problems one iota - nor, importantly, did I try to do so - but I had eased her pain, even if only temporarily.

My contribution was caring, empathizing and non-judgemental. The change in her was of her doing . . . a new perspective, perhaps a little hope, certainly a new belief in herself that she is indeed a woman of dignity and respect, a person of worth.

I never saw her again. All I know is how powerful, valuable and uplifting that simple, non-invasive question, 'Are you ok?', can be. However, it was only after her response moved me to add 'you're not ok are you' that the magic of caring human connection was able to blossom.

Written by Peter Nicholls
Peter Nicholls is an Adelaide Life Mentor who works under the name of Australia’s People Gardener (growing better people). Peter’s theme of 'It’s time to enjoy being your true self' offers a strong message to us all in these times of high uncertainty.  When you meet or work with Peter you will realize why he is known as ‘Mr Ease’.
You can find out more about Peter and his work at . . . Australia's People Gardener >>>



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Author Unknown

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InspirEmail

A monthly positive inspirational story and quote to refresh your spirit and boost the emotional bank account. InspirEmail was first published in November 2005 and each issue can be viewed in the Archived InspirEmail Directory located below the latest issue of InspirEmail


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