Hailey, the voice behind “Thoughts, Dots, and Tots,” wears many hats: mom, wife, Mormon, counselor, and self-proclaimed professional worrier with a penchant for polka dots and zombies. One morning, her frustration with traffic peaked as she trailed behind an older SUV. It seemed to be struggling, but it wasn’t until she got closer that she saw the sign on its back window.
The message read, “Learning stick, sorry for any delay,” triggering a moment of self-reflection for Hailey. Sharing a snapshot on Facebook, she didn’t just reflect on herself but also on the strangers we encounter daily.
Recognizing the driver’s challenge of learning to drive a stick shift, Hailey admitted she’d shown unusual patience, acknowledging their effort. She then questioned her response if the sign hadn’t been there, realizing she likely wouldn’t have been as understanding.
Hailey’s revelation was profound: we don’t carry signs revealing our struggles, like “Going through a divorce” or “Lost a child.” If only we could visually see others’ burdens, we’d surely be kinder. But why wait for signs? Compassion should be our default, regardless of understanding someone’s circumstances. Let’s extend patience, kindness, and love to all.
The handwritten message and Hailey’s introspection serve as a poignant reminder of the unseen battles people face. Let’s learn from it and strive to be kinder, always.