Never underestimate the power of a few kind words…

If you’ve ever sent supportive notes into a void — never knowing if they’ve been read, let alone been helpful — this very brief story is for you.

A few months ago I was walking the dog when a car screeched to a halt on the other side of the road. The driver waved madly at me, and leapt out to rush across the road.

“I drove past you a minute ago and had to do a U turn to come and see you” she said. “I wanted to apologise because I’ve been absolutely rubbish, and haven’t replied to anybody’s emails” she said. “Please will you let your colleagues know that your messages have made a real difference. They really helped”.

Since none of us had heard anything back, it was brilliant to see her looking well and to know she was on top of big challenges at work.

Sadly, I know other people with more serious life struggles on their hands — not necessarily depressed, but facing great difficulties with or without the extra pressure of COVID. Today’s little encounter reminded me how a few kind words can help people go a long way.

If you have a habit of sending little notes with snippets of interest or warm words of support to people who may need them, please keep doing what you do. It’s worth it.