Being Kind to Others When I'm Having a Bad Day

I used to remind myself that I'm not the only one going through things in life. Sometimes my expectations of others wasn't fair. I expected everyone to check on me. I expected everyone to care about what I'm going through because I have a chronic illness, but I really had to take a step back and understand that other people have things going on also. When I'm having a bad day, I can't expect everyone to come to my aid because they might be battling their own demons.

Having AS has taught me to be more compassionate and understanding of others

I'm now the person who checks on everyone, even if I'm having a bad day, because you know what? Someone could be having a bad day too, and you can share that bad day and make each other feel better. Even if you just lend a listening ear, it makes all the difference to someone who is going through a rough time. 

Life is hard in general. We are all battling something. There is so much hate in this world and it takes nothing to be kind to someone--it can possibly save someone's life.

Grocery shopping with electric carts

I was grocery shopping the other day and I had to use the electric cart because I was having a bad day. There was only one left, and this elderly lady came behind me and asked if i was using it. I said "no you can have it," even though I knew I was having a bad day and I couldn't possibly get any shopping done walking.

So I went back to my car in hopes another one will become available. I waited about 15 mins and went back inside to see if one was available; to my surprise, there was one there. But, it wasn't charged. So I plugged it in and waited on it. The lady came back and saw me sitting waiting for it. She came up to me and said "I'm sorry dear I didn't realize that you really needed one, you didn't have to give it to me."

I said "it's ok, but yes, I have an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain throughout my body and it's difficult to walk for a long amount of time or stand for long periods of time." She said "oh wow I'm so sorry, I have severe fibromyalgia and RA." She was almost hunched over so I knew she needed it more than I did.

Making a friend

We exchanged laughs about how they need to put more electric carts in the stores so we can all have one when we need it, she thanked me for being a kind human being. So although I was having a bad day that made me feel better, and I made a friend, and we had a good laugh. I'm sure I made her day as well, just being a kind human being.

I never want to feel like my pain is not valid, but she did not make me feel that way. She kindly asked me if I was going to use the cart. She didn't tell me you look fine, so you don't need it like others have told me before. Even when you're having a bad day always try to be kind still you never know someone can turn your frown upside down!