Tag Archives: understanding

Kindness Is a Powerful Thing

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podcast link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karen-molenaar-terrell/episodes/Kindness-Is-a-Powerful-Thing-e2fomej

I told the woman who was wrapping up a sandwich for me at the supermarket that I really liked her earrings. She thanked me and then looked at my earrings and told me she liked mine. For a moment, I’d forgotten I’d even put earrings on that morning and reached up to see what I was wearing in my ears. “Oh! These are a pair of my mom’s earrings that I found in her jewelry box after she died,” I told the woman behind the counter.

The expression on the woman’s face softened, and she said they were beautiful. She handed me my sandwich and said, “You have a good day, hon.”

And as I walked away with my sandwich I found myself tearing up.

Kindness is a powerful thing.

“Why Do You Write?”

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Why?

Because I’m a writer. That’s what writers do. Artists use brushes; I use a keyboard.

But what’s the point? Do you think you’re going to change anyone’s minds about stuff?

No, I know that’s not likely. And that’s not even my purpose. I don’t have a need for people to believe and feel and think exactly what I believe and feel and think about everything. People can believe whatever they want to believe, as long as their beliefs don’t cause harm to others.

You know why I share my thoughts and feelings in writing? Because I know there are other people out there who share similar feelings and I want them to know I understand what they’re feeling. I want them to know they’re not alone. I want to understand the perspectives of other people, too, and I want to give them the chance to understand mine – whether we agree with each other or not, I think it’s cool when we can understand each other.

Writing is how I connect to others. Writing – and reading what others have written – helps keep us from feeling isolated from one another.

That’s why.

Message to My Friends on the Other Side

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I know I have friends who are feeling today what I was feeling four years ago. Devastated. Terrified of what the future holds. Sure that there must be some mistake. Wondering if it’s all a lie. Wondering if some miracle will change everything before the new president gets sworn in. I guess I just wanted you to know that I get it and I’m not going to judge you for whatever it is you’re feeling right now. And I’m not going to think less of you if you’re feeling scared.

I voted for Biden-Harris. I am relieved and happy they won. But I find I’m not even tempted to gloat about it.
– Karen Molenaar Terrell

“God bless the whole world – no exceptions.”