Someone turn me around, can I start this again?

I was on my way to see my therapist today with a head full of shit and a "plan" of what I wanted to rant to him about. That "plan" was completely thrown out of the window when I realised the root of my stress... but a story for another day...

As I walked to the tram stop, I perched myself into a space, when this woman with a 4 year old daughter and a lot of bags came over and aggressively said "'scuse" and pushed her bags along with herself where I was standing. Now in the foul mood that I was in I said "please?" Not expecting her to say anything or if she did, I was preparing myself for a defensive response, instead, she looked at me: "sorry". It really took me by surprise. I paused and said "Oh, I really didn't expect that!" She said "I don't like people pushing me either, it's just difficult being pregnant and having a 4 year old daughter...". I replied "Thank you for that, I completely understand" and laughed it off. She kind of left me dumbfounded. I even found myself touching her arm and I hate "unnecessary touching". But I found myself doing it anyway... I was really touched by her response. I'm not sure whether she was ready to hit me or shout in my face, but I just really appreciated her apology and the fact that she admitted that she was wrong.

Anyway, I laughed and smiled and she started getting ready to board the tram and said to her daughter (it was clear that she was very stressed and knew it was going to be difficult getting on the tram) "Come on, (whilst pulling her daughter toward the tram) let's go before mummy ends up getting into a fight" and then she walked away.

Now, I wasn't sure how to take that but in hindsight, I don't think it really matters; I stuck up for myself and I saw a bit of humanity and understanding in somebody. Something that I have been trying so hard to see in people, but failing miserably. She kind of, unknowingly, gave me a bit of hope. Just that small thing. That we are all going through some sort of shit and stresses but still having an understanding. It also made me realise that I need to work on my confrontation skills even more than I thought and that I think I am quick to pass judgement, even though I spend most of my time tirelessly complaining about the arrogance from other people.

We are all living in some sort of pain, or stresses or turmoil or all... Maybe we should have a bit more compassion for each other...

The Bernard Bert