They Can’t Hear You

Even though my kids are older now, when embarrassing stories are retold about me, this invariably is shared: “When we were in the car with Mom, and she’d see a neighbor out walking, she’s always say hello outloud and wave! Clearly the neighbor could see her wave, but never could they hear her words. We always pointed out to her, “They can’t hear you Mom!” Of course this would also happen when squirrels darted across the road, she’s say, “Watch out there little one!” “Mom, they can’t hear you.”

Even though this behavior of mine is logged in the family archives as humorous, I’d like to offer a different placeholder for my behavior. Yes, I still wave and say hi to the UPS driver & neighbors when they pass me driving. Yes, I still wave to other drivers when I’m allowed a chance to merge and always say, “Thank you!” aloud.

From my perspective, the choice and act of talking-out-loud, makes external what I’m feeling on the inside. Perhaps I’ve never learned to hold-it-in?

Kindness should be lived more outloud, I’d say. What if we could indeed move beyond eye contact, then the wave or smile…and then the words and messages of kindness. Perhaps this is something of a blessing….something we all yearn for and could indeed grow the seeds of peace.

Words of kindness (in my worldview) does make a difference, it’s an energetic signal from me to you…even if you can’t hear me.