My Unexpected Life Lesson From Our Trip to Scotland
Take Pen to Paper: Edition 37
Welcome back to my newsletter! I’m glad you came back for another read.
I learned a lesson in Scotland while waiting in the train station restroom.
A woman exited the next available stall, telling me, “There’s no more tissue, but I had some in my purse, so I left a small tissue pack on the dispenser.”
That is when I knew I am not as kind and friendly as I thought.
Scotland's culture is similar to the United States. We don’t dress differently (except for a few kilts here and there). Luggage identified us as travelers. In smaller towns, the locals knew we were strangers. Otherwise, only our accent gave us away as North Americans.
At first, I thought people were friendly because it was their job.
Bus drivers asked how they could help. Hotel clerks offered help with our luggage. Restaurant workers patiently answered our questions.
There was more. Everyone greeted us. Hotel guests we passed in the hallways said hello. The lone local left in the pub wished us a nice evening when we walked out.
Am I that friendly?
We walked into a pub filled with locals—the bartender was nowhere to be seen. After standing a few minutes at the bar, one of the locals reached up to ring a bell. The bartender appeared, coming right over to us. The man rang the bell for us!
Do I go out of my way to help others?
I might ring the bell. The train station tissue incident told me 'no.'
The day before, I was the woman who discovered no tissue. I had a pack in my purse. I did not leave my pack for the next person. It never even occurred to me.
I’ve thought about this a LOT.
The people in Scotland were really nice. As we toured the country, seeing so many beautiful sights, my impression of the Scots never faded. But I may be kinder than I think.
My husband and I opened ourselves up to new experiences because we were in a new environment. The experiences we opened ourselves to included the kindness of the people in Scotland.
When we’re at home, we get complacent in our ways. We go to the same places and see the same people. Our actions are driven by habit.
The remedy is to look for opportunities to be kind even when our environment is the same.
Maya Angelou summed it up perfectly when she said,
The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself.
With that in mind, I need to re-evaluate my actions and words.
7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good
I made a welcome sign in one of my art classes. It’s good to remember it’s not enough to hang up a welcome sign. We need to demonstrate it in our words and actions consistently.
Have you ever wondered why you hesitate to carry through with a simple act of kindness? This article explains just that.
Sometimes making others feel heard is the best action you can take. This article explains how to. 👂
My husband and I were grateful for the railway system in the United Kingdom. It was easy for us to get around and not drive on the left side of the road (or drive on the numerous one-lane roadways). Do you think Americans are grateful when they travel through Grand Central Station in New York City? 🚄
It’s good that no matter where you are, the kindness of others can make you feel like you belong.
A quote: “Finding the good in others and recognizing their value increases your own and others’ well-being and forms a more intimate bond.”
-Seph Fontane Pennock
Scotland offers much to its visitors. In addition to the kind welcome, it has beautiful countryside, great food, and historical sites to explore. But if you want a taste of extreme history, you may want to check out this hotel in Japan. 🏯
Thank you for reading!
Have you visited a place where the kindness of others blew you away? Leave a comment and tell me about it! I may need to check it out.
I hope you are the recipient of welcome words and kind acts where ever you go.
❤
Susan