Met a person on the train last night & I can’t stop thinking about them
They were clearly a very kind, sociable person
They noticed my NHS rainbow badge & asked compassionate questions so I warmed to them immediately
I asked questions in return & the conversations started 1/7
They were clearly a very kind, sociable person
They noticed my NHS rainbow badge & asked compassionate questions so I warmed to them immediately
I asked questions in return & the conversations started 1/7
They were travelling to visit their grandchildren who they clearly adored
They talked about them fondly, showed me pictures and explained loving about autism and in their experience both the additional challenges, love & opportunity it can bring children 2/7
They talked about them fondly, showed me pictures and explained loving about autism and in their experience both the additional challenges, love & opportunity it can bring children 2/7
They then told me one of the saddest sequence of events I’ve ever heard
Their sister & her child were brutally murdered in their own home which attracted a lot of media attention
Their daughter then died in a tragic accident
Then their wife died of cancer
They are 53
3/7
Their sister & her child were brutally murdered in their own home which attracted a lot of media attention
Their daughter then died in a tragic accident
Then their wife died of cancer
They are 53
3/7
We talked about the impact of sadness, loneliness and the physical and mental health impact of social isolation
I explained I wasn’t a psychologist or councillor but clinicians know the effects of these when people have long term health conditions & things that might help 4/7
I explained I wasn’t a psychologist or councillor but clinicians know the effects of these when people have long term health conditions & things that might help 4/7
We talked about things they liked to do and suggested simple things that I really think they would be been brilliant at like volunteering with vulnerable children, hospice work, charity work, taking up a new hobby or joining a dating/companionship app to meet new people 5/7
They have so much kindness & so much to give themselves & others, they just needed that chance conversation with someone who reminded them that despite the tragedy they have seen & been through they have the opportunity to find happiness again
And I really hope they do❤️
6/7
And I really hope they do❤️
6/7
I’m posting this as people often think I am weird when I have conversations with strangers but in my experience these chance conversations can often lead to very meaningful things & I think we need to normalise having random conversations as small acts of kindness ❤️ #BeKind
7/7
7/7
Some resources I have found helpful but please post any more on this thread as you never know who might read it
Thank you 🙏🏻
nhs.uk/every-mind-mat…
Thank you 🙏🏻
nhs.uk/every-mind-mat…
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