I recently spent a few weeks in Victoria. On the flight down, I sat next to a very young mother with a little girl. It was their first flight and the little girl was tired and quite distressed. Throughout our conversation, I held the little girl on my lap while the mother revealed that she was escaping a domestic violence situation. Listening to her story, I was blown away by her courage. She had left with nothing and was going to an unfamiliar location. She was bruised and beaten both physically and emotionally. I gently touched the self inflicted scars on her wrist and told her she was brave and strong and that she was doing the right thing for her daughter and herself. She looked at me and quietly thanked. I have been praying for them since.
On the bus to my Victorian home, I sat with a woman who was about to embark on a 3 day hike to Craig's Hut in the High Country near my house. Ironically, she was from Queensland and in the same profession as me. On the flight home, I engaged in a lengthy conversation with the young woman next to me. She had travelled to visit the Titanic exhibition and had left her son at home with his father for the very first time and had missed him incredibly. I discovered that she had a love of music and had studied opera, and knew a close friend of mine who had studied with her. We chatted about education systems across the world (we are both teachers) and I spoke with her about my charity work. We had a lot in common. You can learn a lot about life and perspectives by engaging in conversation with strangers. A few years ago, I was interviewed by a young woman who was doing a project around society. She was endeavouring to have a cup of tea and conversation with 200 strangers. Our conversation was during covid, so it occurred online, with each of us having our own cuppa at home. She was an interesting woman and has met some incredible people throughout the project. She far surpassed her 200 strangers.
Sending you love and feeling for you as you work through the feelings that have arisen for you since these horrific events.
Barbara Fredrickson calls them micro-moments of love, I call them angels unaware.
Whenever there are bad news stories my elderly mum often remarks whether people have faith anymore and if they are praying and asking for divine assistance. I often ask myself the same. People who don't have any religious beliefs, how do they cope when life gives them lemons?
Recently my husband suffered a heart attack days out from our son's wedding which was interstate. The doctor said that he would be unable to attend. It was difficult sharing this news with family and friends however we were so thankful that it happened when it did. We were thankful that he could have surgery and make a full recovery. We feel blessed. Our family and friends embraced our son and his new wife. The ceremony and speeches were live streamed for us and we were sent many videos of the shenanigans on the dance floor. Some people were really upset for us that we had missed the wedding but we felt grateful. Our faith is what helps us to accept and move forward.
The generosity of spirit from a stranger is a powerful tool.
Sometimes when I see a child having a temper tantrum I will approach the parent, like I know them, and strike up a conversation. Quite often this will distract the child. I tell them that my adult daughter was just like their child and that this too will pass and all will be O.K. There is life after the terrible 2, 3 or 4s.
With the tragedy at Bondi playing out we had to turn the TV off. The media absolutely feed off it. I know they have an important role to play, notifying/updating the public, but it becomes overwhelming. People need to take control and remove themselves from distressing situations. Pray, breathe, meditate, phone a friend.
As Chris Minns said, there are millions more good people in NSW than bad and that is true worldwide. Lets be grateful for all the angels in our world who give micro-moments of love every second of the day. Go easy Jane, this too will pass xx
I wholeheartedly agree. The pace of life in the east seems to have slowed down and more people are smiling at each other when you pass in the street.
I walked with my niece and her baby to BondiJunction and we too took a some time to pay our respects and to grieve for the tragedy and the victims. The community seems to be gently talking to each other and holding hands.
It must be hard to contextualise tradedy when you have seen war zones and other tragedies for your job. I know the first day as a wards person I had to handle a dead body and I had to immediately ignore My own feelings in order to help clean a body that family and friends deeply care for. Yet ask me to do it day and I can not imagine doing it. That alone is troubling
Thanks Jane for your thoughts and actions regarding these horrific acts happening so close to your home. When I first heard it last weekend on our news in Canada you came to my thoughts and now to read your article that you frequent this mall, I will keep you close in prayer. You are a special person to engage with other people at this sad time. Please take care and kind to yourself.
Hi Jane we met recently in country NSW when you doing a tour of libraries. My heart breaks for everyone involved. Having been at Port Arthur on 28/4/96 I know what lays ahead for those involved. Fortunately we didn’t lose anyone but my husband spent four hours administering first aid in and around the Broad Arrow Cafe and it has destroyed his life. Thankfully 28 years on, more is understood about trauma and PTSD.
There are so many good people in the world it only takes one person destroy so many lives.
But that is life, bad things happen to good people every day.
I guess we just have to somehow put one foot in front of the other and keep going, at least that’s what I have done.
Look for the good, be kind, have compassion, support each other whenever we have the opportunity.
I no longer believe in God, but I do believe that are lots of good kind people in the world.
Indeed :) a balm that needs regular application ...soothing to both body and spirit! one of the book clubs I meet up with read your book 'Rebel Talk -the art of powerful conversations. ' It is the most useful book I have read this decade ....I sincerely Thank You for writing it
Ta for sharing your experience and micro-moment of love at Bondi Junction, especially after this week of tragedy there.
I’m on my way there on the train, to eat lunch on level 5. To try to take some normalness to such a beautiful place with great views north toward Sydney CBD and harbour.
A lovely piece again Jane. Living in WA I often have a conversation with strangers at the beach or on walks. When we visit my son’s family in Newcastle someone always strikes up a conversation at the baths. And of course, while caravanning it’s unavoidable. It’s a constant reminder how, on the whole, we are good and decent people. When such tragedies, war and natural disasters occur, it just reminds us all how precious the life of every good person is.
I hope you all heal well over there and it’s great that you are taking care of each other. That’s what sustains our spirits.
What an enjoyable visit to level 5. I shared a pleasant conversation meeting with a lady in the elevator as we both moved from ground floor to level 5. It was a micro-moment of happy connection with a stranger.
And this happened on the train on the way home - I live in Kirrawee - I caught eye briefly with a woman downstairs, she had pleasant face with unusual curly short dark brown hair - I sat in the door entry level of the carriage in my wheelchair - when she needed to leave the train, she came upstairs, stood beside me and gave me a huge smile direct in front of my face. Not a word was spoken but it truly was a happy micro-moment in a crowded train carriage.
Yes, very unusual but happy experiences on the day I went to share in the sad space at westfield level 5 Bondi-junction.
I recently spent a few weeks in Victoria. On the flight down, I sat next to a very young mother with a little girl. It was their first flight and the little girl was tired and quite distressed. Throughout our conversation, I held the little girl on my lap while the mother revealed that she was escaping a domestic violence situation. Listening to her story, I was blown away by her courage. She had left with nothing and was going to an unfamiliar location. She was bruised and beaten both physically and emotionally. I gently touched the self inflicted scars on her wrist and told her she was brave and strong and that she was doing the right thing for her daughter and herself. She looked at me and quietly thanked. I have been praying for them since.
On the bus to my Victorian home, I sat with a woman who was about to embark on a 3 day hike to Craig's Hut in the High Country near my house. Ironically, she was from Queensland and in the same profession as me. On the flight home, I engaged in a lengthy conversation with the young woman next to me. She had travelled to visit the Titanic exhibition and had left her son at home with his father for the very first time and had missed him incredibly. I discovered that she had a love of music and had studied opera, and knew a close friend of mine who had studied with her. We chatted about education systems across the world (we are both teachers) and I spoke with her about my charity work. We had a lot in common. You can learn a lot about life and perspectives by engaging in conversation with strangers. A few years ago, I was interviewed by a young woman who was doing a project around society. She was endeavouring to have a cup of tea and conversation with 200 strangers. Our conversation was during covid, so it occurred online, with each of us having our own cuppa at home. She was an interesting woman and has met some incredible people throughout the project. She far surpassed her 200 strangers.
Sending you love and feeling for you as you work through the feelings that have arisen for you since these horrific events.
So much here, Michelle but as always you are a good soul. And Linda wrote to me too! Love the idea of talking to 200 strangers! 🤗
Barbara Fredrickson calls them micro-moments of love, I call them angels unaware.
Whenever there are bad news stories my elderly mum often remarks whether people have faith anymore and if they are praying and asking for divine assistance. I often ask myself the same. People who don't have any religious beliefs, how do they cope when life gives them lemons?
Recently my husband suffered a heart attack days out from our son's wedding which was interstate. The doctor said that he would be unable to attend. It was difficult sharing this news with family and friends however we were so thankful that it happened when it did. We were thankful that he could have surgery and make a full recovery. We feel blessed. Our family and friends embraced our son and his new wife. The ceremony and speeches were live streamed for us and we were sent many videos of the shenanigans on the dance floor. Some people were really upset for us that we had missed the wedding but we felt grateful. Our faith is what helps us to accept and move forward.
The generosity of spirit from a stranger is a powerful tool.
Sometimes when I see a child having a temper tantrum I will approach the parent, like I know them, and strike up a conversation. Quite often this will distract the child. I tell them that my adult daughter was just like their child and that this too will pass and all will be O.K. There is life after the terrible 2, 3 or 4s.
With the tragedy at Bondi playing out we had to turn the TV off. The media absolutely feed off it. I know they have an important role to play, notifying/updating the public, but it becomes overwhelming. People need to take control and remove themselves from distressing situations. Pray, breathe, meditate, phone a friend.
As Chris Minns said, there are millions more good people in NSW than bad and that is true worldwide. Lets be grateful for all the angels in our world who give micro-moments of love every second of the day. Go easy Jane, this too will pass xx
Thank you Kerrie, hope your husband is doing well now.
Hi Jane he is back at work & recovering well thank you xx
I wholeheartedly agree. The pace of life in the east seems to have slowed down and more people are smiling at each other when you pass in the street.
I walked with my niece and her baby to BondiJunction and we too took a some time to pay our respects and to grieve for the tragedy and the victims. The community seems to be gently talking to each other and holding hands.
How beautiful, Carolyn. Thinking of you 🙏
It must be hard to contextualise tradedy when you have seen war zones and other tragedies for your job. I know the first day as a wards person I had to handle a dead body and I had to immediately ignore My own feelings in order to help clean a body that family and friends deeply care for. Yet ask me to do it day and I can not imagine doing it. That alone is troubling
That is indeed tough Daryl.
Thanks Jane for your thoughts and actions regarding these horrific acts happening so close to your home. When I first heard it last weekend on our news in Canada you came to my thoughts and now to read your article that you frequent this mall, I will keep you close in prayer. You are a special person to engage with other people at this sad time. Please take care and kind to yourself.
Looking forward to our meeting in May.
Thank you Linda. I am grateful for our friendship💐
Hi Jane we met recently in country NSW when you doing a tour of libraries. My heart breaks for everyone involved. Having been at Port Arthur on 28/4/96 I know what lays ahead for those involved. Fortunately we didn’t lose anyone but my husband spent four hours administering first aid in and around the Broad Arrow Cafe and it has destroyed his life. Thankfully 28 years on, more is understood about trauma and PTSD.
There are so many good people in the world it only takes one person destroy so many lives.
But that is life, bad things happen to good people every day.
I guess we just have to somehow put one foot in front of the other and keep going, at least that’s what I have done.
Look for the good, be kind, have compassion, support each other whenever we have the opportunity.
I no longer believe in God, but I do believe that are lots of good kind people in the world.
Take care
Thank-you Ann, I am in Tasmania at the moment and went to Port Arthur 2 days ago and thought of you!
What do we do next?
What Can we do that will actually make a lasting difference?
I think it’s up to us as individuals, Kim. My response is to engage with people. Try to use conversation as a balm.
Indeed :) a balm that needs regular application ...soothing to both body and spirit! one of the book clubs I meet up with read your book 'Rebel Talk -the art of powerful conversations. ' It is the most useful book I have read this decade ....I sincerely Thank You for writing it
Hi Jane
Ta for sharing your experience and micro-moment of love at Bondi Junction, especially after this week of tragedy there.
I’m on my way there on the train, to eat lunch on level 5. To try to take some normalness to such a beautiful place with great views north toward Sydney CBD and harbour.
How lovely Laurie. Hope you found some peace.
A lovely piece again Jane. Living in WA I often have a conversation with strangers at the beach or on walks. When we visit my son’s family in Newcastle someone always strikes up a conversation at the baths. And of course, while caravanning it’s unavoidable. It’s a constant reminder how, on the whole, we are good and decent people. When such tragedies, war and natural disasters occur, it just reminds us all how precious the life of every good person is.
I hope you all heal well over there and it’s great that you are taking care of each other. That’s what sustains our spirits.
Beautiful words. Thanks Leigh.
What an enjoyable visit to level 5. I shared a pleasant conversation meeting with a lady in the elevator as we both moved from ground floor to level 5. It was a micro-moment of happy connection with a stranger.
And this happened on the train on the way home - I live in Kirrawee - I caught eye briefly with a woman downstairs, she had pleasant face with unusual curly short dark brown hair - I sat in the door entry level of the carriage in my wheelchair - when she needed to leave the train, she came upstairs, stood beside me and gave me a huge smile direct in front of my face. Not a word was spoken but it truly was a happy micro-moment in a crowded train carriage.
Yes, very unusual but happy experiences on the day I went to share in the sad space at westfield level 5 Bondi-junction.