You Never Know.

You never really know what someone is carrying.

It’s easy to take things personally… when a text to a friend goes unanswered, a customer or client call isn’t returned or a face to face interaction feels short or abrupt. Our first instinct is often to internalize things, assuming we did something wrong or there is no interest to connect. 

However, more often than not, it’s not about us at all. It very well might be related to what they’re navigating in their own life.

This time of year especially, many are carrying “invisible” weights. For some, it’s the first holiday season without a loved one. For others, it’s financial stress, family tension, a sick child or simply the hustle and bustle of trying to keep it all together.

A few reminders when you might encounter this:

• GRACE and turning the other cheek costs nothing, but it can mean everything.

• PATIENCE is a gift we can give freely.

• COMPASSION is often the bridge between misunderstanding and connection.

So when someone seems distant or short, pause for a moment before assuming it’s because of you or about you…. Give them the benefit of the doubt - send the extra follow up, ask how someone is really doing and extend kindness instead of judgment.

Because behind every person and interaction, there’s often a story we may never see.

You never really know what someone is carrying.

-Bradie