One rainy afternoon, I was on a crosstown bus when a young woman jumped on. She had a child with her who must have been about 3 or 4 years old.
The bus was full, bumpy, and it soon got noisy as her kid began crying because he couldn't sit next to his mother. There were a couple of open scats, but they weren't together. She was flustered and looked embarrassed.
Then another woman. a little older, stood up and moved so that the mother and child could it together. The mom smiled as a thank-you. And then three words came out of the older woman's mouth that elevated the entire energy of that bus ride: "I've been there."
Simple, undramatic and honest. In that moment, it seemed to unite people. Why? Because almost all experiences arc shared human experiences. We forget that. as we forge(前进) through life, we focused on our own troubles and needs- which are actually less unique than we think. How can these three words create more connection in your life? Ask yourself; "Where am I holding back?
One thing I know for sure is this: Healing( 治愈) others helps heal yourself. I noticed this recently with my friend, Tracy. who took a new friend who had suffered a miscarriage(流产) under her wing. Tracy had three of them before having her daughter two years ago. Our minds need a doctor to explain the medical side of things. But our souls need human connection to help us along. No one can do that better than someone who has been exactly where you are.
Can the essence(精髓) of these three words help you make a small difference right now? It can be as simple as volunteering your seat, sharing some helpful advice or even lightening the mood with a joke when you notice that someone's uncomfortable—-because we're all in this together.
