Yesterday, I went to a physical therapy consultation I kept trying to talk myself out of. I finally mustered the courage to show up.

When I got there I was informed my insurance coverage wasn't what I expected and physical therapy would be pricey to cover. I tried to cancel and they told me not to leave and got the office manager and physical therapist involved. They worked out a payment plan for me.

Then the physical therapist took me back and asked questions about my pain. It took a lot of courage to disclose that I have a history of trauma involved with my pain. She was very gentle and compassionate. She kept thanking me for bravely disclosing my issues and at one point she asked me about pain in a certain area and I didn't really understand the question so I murmured something about my discomfort and she leaned over and looked me straight in the eye and clarified that she was asking about a specific area but said in a sincere tone "I hear you, I see you".

I left the appointment and just bawled my eyes out. I've rarely felt so listened to, safe, and seen as she made me feel and that will stick with me a long time. I wrote a thank you email and sent it to the office-thanking everyone involved.

People like that inspire me to pay it forward. It can be something as small as a compliment or taking extra time with something or someone. The world benefits from kindness. Blessings to all.