In her blog, “Musings, Dots, and Little Ones,” Hailey presents herself as a “mother, spouse, Mormon, counselor, and seasoned overthinker with a fondness for polka dots and zombies.” One morning, she found herself frustrated by traffic, particularly due to being stuck behind an older SUV. The vehicle seemed to be experiencing difficulties, although Hailey wasn’t sure what they were until she got close enough to read the sign displayed on the rear window of the Ford.
Upon reading the message, “Learning stick, sorry for any delay,” she experienced a sudden shift in perspective, not only about herself but also about the individuals we encounter on the road and in daily life.
Recognizing that the driver was learning to operate a stick shift, she remarked, “I displayed remarkable patience with their slow shifting, and honestly, they were handling it quite well considering they’re still learning.” She then pondered, “Would I have shown the same patience if there wasn’t a sign? I can almost certainly say no.” This realization prompted her to acknowledge a personal flaw.
“We often don’t know what someone is going through. We don’t wear signs that reveal our inner struggles,” she stated. “You won’t find labels pinned to people’s clothing saying, ‘Navigating a divorce,’ or ‘Bereaved a child,’ or ‘Struggling with depression,’ or ‘Battling cancer.'” “If we could visibly see the trials others face, we would undoubtedly be more compassionate. However, we shouldn’t need signs or explanations to treat strangers with kindness. We should extend it unconditionally, regardless of whether we understand their circumstances. Let’s offer everyone an extra dose of patience, kindness, and empathy,” she concluded.
Often, we are unaware of the hurdles others are confronting, and it is hoped that the handwritten message and Hailey’s reflection will serve as a teaching moment for others.