On occasion, we will see a container marked “Handle with Care” cautioning the handlers that the contents inside are fragile. Presumably, the handlers will be diligent and respectful of the contents and will cautiously carry the container. Each handler may honor the instruction, drawing upon his or her own personal value system, work ethic, and respect for the trust that the sender has placed in the transportation system.
From time to time, we may need to be “handled with care” when we are experiencing challenges, turmoil, and crises in our lives. At these times, we may be more sensitive or unable to cope with even the slightest challenging situation. It is then that we could attach a label that is marked “handle with care.”
The same applies to others — our children, spouses, significant others, friends and co-workers. The label suggesting that we are vulnerable may not always be displayed outwardly, but may be detectable only by looking closely. Some people may be more vulnerable than others and they may show it.
Other folks feel that it is necessary to hide their vulnerabilities, believing it to be a sign of weakness. Or they may believe that no one cares. However, the absence of a label or hiding the suffering does not mean that we are not in extreme emotional pain.
There are numerous causes of our emotional pain, and there will be many times in our lives when we experience our frailty. Our pain can be eased when we know that someone truly cares and they express their concern. We must also handle our self with care during these times. It may be necessary to add a protective layer around ourselves as we are recovering, to ensure that we are not further harmed by a careless, insensitive, or thoughtless “handler” with whom we come in contact. This requires wrapping ourselves with the understanding that even when we experience bumps and bangs there is generally no intent to harm us.
In addition, if we are cloaked in the recognition that we are stronger than the situations and people that we encounter, we can survive anything. We may not enjoy the journey, but we won’t come out of it shattered.
“I am alert to people who are in need of ‘handling with care’ and I treat them as I want to be treated when I have that same need.”
Have an inspective week!
Affirmation for the Week:
“I will be alert to people who are in need of “handling with care” and I will treat them as I want to be treated when I have that same need.”
Have an inspective week!
Mary “Motivator” Rau-Foster