My daughter struggles with severe anxiety, and she hasn't been able to return to school yet. It's been a challenging and heart breaking start to a new school year.
Last week, we thought easing her back in through a parent-student event after school hours might help. During the event, an activity triggered her anxiety. One of her coping strategies is to step away and return once she feels more regulated. As she was walking away, an older woman stopped her and was unkind. Despite my daughter's attempts to explain, the woman dismissed her and insisted she rejoin the group, showing no empathy and speaking in a condescending manner. This encounter only heightened my daughter's anxiety, and she ended up spending the rest of the time in the bathroom, visibly distressed. What was meant to be a positive experience turned into a setback.
Determined not to let this negative experience define the day, we decided to make the most of it. With the sun shining and my daughter dressed up, we explored some thrift shops, found great deals, and enjoyed some favorite snacks together. It turned into a wonderful evening, and her smile was the biggest I'd seen in a long time. Because we chose not to let that bad experience win, she felt more confident and reassured, which helped her have a successful visit to school the following day. It showed her that even on tough days, there can be moments of joy if we seek them out.
That said, my advice to anyone who enters a school building this year is don't let the bad moments win, and always remember to be kind. You never know what someone, especially a teen, might be going through.
There are several reasons why this advice matters.
Kindness matters because it fosters connection and empathy, creating bonds that help us support each other through difficulties. It can act as a counterbalance to negativity, offering comfort and hope in challenging times. Secondly, acts of kindness have a ripple effect, inspiring others to be compassionate, thereby spreading positivity and improving the overall atmosphere of our communities. Kindness also nurtures our own well-being, as giving and receiving compassion can enhance emotional resilience and personal fulfillment. Kindness not only makes the world a better place but also strengthens our collective humanity. Imagine if that woman would have been kind and offered empathy to my daughter? My daughters whole expierence would have been different.
Not letting negative moments define our day or our lives matters because doing so can overshadow the positive experiences and opportunities for growth. Allowing a single setback to dominate our mindset can limit our ability to see the bigger picture and appreciate the good aspects of our lives. By maintaining perspective and resilience, we can move past temporary challenges and remain open to new possibilities. This approach helps us preserve our emotional well-being and fosters a more balanced and optimistic outlook, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and positive life. Had we gone home and sulked or ruminated in the bad memory, my daughter would have been more depressed and anxious.
Despite a challenging start to the school year, I remain hopeful for the many positive experiences that lie ahead. My daughter has discovered that by embracing the good moments and finding joy in simple activities, she can build confidence that will pave the way for a successful return to school.
From the depths of my motherly heart, I urge you once more: always strive to find moments of joy, even on the toughest days, and extend kindness to everyone, for each person is fighting battles unseen.
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