I was listening to NPR the other day and at the end of the show the broadcaster reminded everyone about their “Best thing that happened to me this week” segment. He asked people to send in a brief tidbit to samsanders@npr.org. And then he read a few that had come in the week before. They ranged from small moments to really big ones. I so love this idea. I think I could do it daily. If I tried. If I practiced.

A friend of mine was moving this week and when the movers truck broke down on the way, she was a bit anxious, naturally. Of course, because it was not MY move, I was calmer and told her that we were so lucky to be in a place where we could rent our own 28 ft truck for just $38 for the day. How awesome is that? I know it was easier for me to say, but I also know it helped ease her mind. We rented the U-Haul, the movers came, and in 4 hours, the move was done. Then, after fully moving in, boxes all unpacked…a pipe burst. Water flooded everywhere! She called maintenance and in five minutes or less, they came to turn off the water. In the next three minutes, more maintenance guys showed up. Wet vacs, fans, a new pipe installed. Wow. It was chaotic. And it was beautiful how everyone worked together. It was exhausting, but it was a highlight of the move. It was the one of the best things that happened this week. Why? Because perspective taking at moments when everything could go wrong, makes everything all right. This is one of the key components of self compassion. It takes practice.

Try it sometime this week.

Leanne Rubenstein
Compassion Cultivator
Compassionate Atlanta