Receiving Kindness From A Stranger

Personal Growth

Apr 24

Earlier this week, Meagan Hood and I colored encouraging chalk messages all over the Bellevue Library's sidewalk.

We started with simple hopscotch and rainbows... then we got deeper. *pretend to be surprised* We wrote out questions for people to think about during their walks, like "what are you grateful for? how will you grow in this season? who needs your love this week? what do you really need?”...etc.

The next day, my rollercoaster of emotions was on low. I was flooded with anxiety, overwhelm, and couldn't get motivated to do anything. I knew that seeing our chalk creations again would lift my spirits. The weather was calling for 100% chance of rain soon. So, before it all disappeared, I begged Gavin to go see what we had drawn.

We got on our bikes and rode to the library.

I was so proud to show him what we had spent hours on. He read the prompts out loud and we discussed our answers together. It made my heart happy. He was so impressed with how much of the sidewalk we were able to cover with chalk.

When we rounded the final corner, I froze.

There was an additional section of artwork on the sidewalk.

"Gav, someone responded to us!!!!!"

Without even realizing it, my heart sunk and anxiety flooded over my body. My mind began to spin as I walked slowly toward the fresh chalk artwork... "What did they write? Is it negative? Did someone disagree with what we wrote? Is it mean?" I knew that with the week I’ve had, I couldn't mentally handle any more criticism, negativity, or being one more person's emotional punching bag.

Walking towards it, I knew that this message will literally make or break me today.

I took a deep breath and read her message…

😭😭😭😭"Gav, it actually worked! It made someone's day better!!"

Tears started uncontrollably pouring out of me. I have cried a lot recently, but not like this. This was different. This was tears of JOY & RELIEF.

WHAT I LEARNED:

I have loved coloring chalk messages on the sidewalks in my community to inspire others. BUT, it wasn’t until this exact moment where I found myself crying into my hands and turning into a puddle that I finally realized this whole time I had been burying the weight of so many heavy lies, fears, and toxic emotions.

Her positive response gave me the glimmer of hope & reminder of peace that I had been internally wrestling with and searching for this whole time.

If you're struggling today, please remember...

There are still people in the world who are choosing to LOVE, instead of hate.
There are still people in the world who are choosing to SPREAD JOY, instead of living in anger.
There are still people in the world who are choosing to SHINE, instead of drift into the darkness.

Which side will you CHOOSE to be on?

Just like this woman taking time out of her day to respond to our chalk message... you have no idea what impact your small actions could have on someone today. There IS beauty in all of this. We are truly in this together. You are not alone. Life is too fragile to be a turd right now.

💛 CHOOSE TO LOVE.
💛 CHOOSE TO SPREAD JOY.
💛 CHOOSE TO SHINE.

Shoulders back. Chin up. You got this!!

Sending hugs!
Love, Am