Such important information that no one ever talks about. I am going to take on your practice of thanking everyone that is behind the scenes and am grateful you brought this to my attention.
Exactly. I have a practice of saying something kind to everyone that crosses my path during the day and it changed my life for the better never mind creating some positive energy for the person performing the often thankless job. I am shocked how many times I hear people rant at rave at others, even if they are powerless to do anything about the complaint. Now to expand that practice and thank all those I never am face to face with. If you even get a few people to start thinking about this imagine the ripple effect!
Lovely, Barb. I know that when I cascade my anger it’s always something that is my fault for not dealing with. I’m horrified when I catch myself being rude.
Cheers to this. One trip to Kenya taught me that I enjoy, comparatively speaking, immense wealth and privilege, all of it unearned. But as you point out, even in the US, I'm surrounded by "invisible" hands who labor to grease the skids of my life for me. Saying thank you is a small but surprisingly powerful thing to do. My husband always thanks the TSA agents at airport security, and even the grumpier ones light up.
Thank you for this important reminder and perhaps even a wake up call for many of us! I've traveled a bit myself and have seen the slums, the shanty towns, the people who work and try so hard to please us visitors/tourists/usually white folk. This resonated deeply in my heart.
As a people we need to practice putting ourselves in others' lives. We need strong role models and leaders with character and integrity. Money and greed has surpassed intelligence and curiosity. Our leaders are rude, lie, and most have no idea what middle class working or living is about. You are so right, it will be those who really feel for others who will be there.
It would be awesome if women and underpaid laborers went on strike for one day in the US. I've read that huge strikes, if peaceful, can bring big political change. Maybe we could even kill two birds with one stone: Restore democracy and restore some power and money to the non-billionaires.
Julia, your essay truly resonates with me and sparks such vital reflection on the "invisible people" who uphold our daily lives.
I found myself nodding along as you explored the countless hands touching everything we experience. It reminded me so much of my own journey during the pandemic. After my partner passed, I leaned into mindfulness, and it literally transformed my world. I discovered a profound sense of connection by intentionally acknowledging and appreciating people in service roles—from bus drivers to cashiers. This practice, born from grief, has stayed with me. I make a point to genuinely see each person beyond their role, recognizing their unique humanity. It’s powerful to witness someone light up just by feeling truly seen and appreciated. Your essay articulates why this matters on such a grand scale.
Your experiences climbing Kilimanjaro offer such a vivid illustration of often unseen labor. The story of the Icelandic women’s walkout also brilliantly highlights the undeniable impact of labor when it withdraws.
Your piece is a heartfelt call to action, inviting us to really see and thank the people who make our lives possible. It’s a powerful invitation to shift our perspective and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the intricate web of human connection that supports us all.
Thank you for crafting such a poignant and thought-provoking piece.
Such important information that no one ever talks about. I am going to take on your practice of thanking everyone that is behind the scenes and am grateful you brought this to my attention.
Thanks Barb. I'm always amazed at how bright my day gets when I make someone else's and it takes nearly nothing to get that accomplished.
Exactly. I have a practice of saying something kind to everyone that crosses my path during the day and it changed my life for the better never mind creating some positive energy for the person performing the often thankless job. I am shocked how many times I hear people rant at rave at others, even if they are powerless to do anything about the complaint. Now to expand that practice and thank all those I never am face to face with. If you even get a few people to start thinking about this imagine the ripple effect!
Lovely, Barb. I know that when I cascade my anger it’s always something that is my fault for not dealing with. I’m horrified when I catch myself being rude.
Whew that info about the porters and their wives though…
I've interviewed a lot of people, JJ, and the stories are awful. Still a fact of life for too many.
Cheers to this. One trip to Kenya taught me that I enjoy, comparatively speaking, immense wealth and privilege, all of it unearned. But as you point out, even in the US, I'm surrounded by "invisible" hands who labor to grease the skids of my life for me. Saying thank you is a small but surprisingly powerful thing to do. My husband always thanks the TSA agents at airport security, and even the grumpier ones light up.
Thank you for this important reminder and perhaps even a wake up call for many of us! I've traveled a bit myself and have seen the slums, the shanty towns, the people who work and try so hard to please us visitors/tourists/usually white folk. This resonated deeply in my heart.
As a people we need to practice putting ourselves in others' lives. We need strong role models and leaders with character and integrity. Money and greed has surpassed intelligence and curiosity. Our leaders are rude, lie, and most have no idea what middle class working or living is about. You are so right, it will be those who really feel for others who will be there.
I have to believe that this is what's meant by the meek inheriting the earth.
It would be awesome if women and underpaid laborers went on strike for one day in the US. I've read that huge strikes, if peaceful, can bring big political change. Maybe we could even kill two birds with one stone: Restore democracy and restore some power and money to the non-billionaires.
Really great article. Thank you.
Julia, your essay truly resonates with me and sparks such vital reflection on the "invisible people" who uphold our daily lives.
I found myself nodding along as you explored the countless hands touching everything we experience. It reminded me so much of my own journey during the pandemic. After my partner passed, I leaned into mindfulness, and it literally transformed my world. I discovered a profound sense of connection by intentionally acknowledging and appreciating people in service roles—from bus drivers to cashiers. This practice, born from grief, has stayed with me. I make a point to genuinely see each person beyond their role, recognizing their unique humanity. It’s powerful to witness someone light up just by feeling truly seen and appreciated. Your essay articulates why this matters on such a grand scale.
Your experiences climbing Kilimanjaro offer such a vivid illustration of often unseen labor. The story of the Icelandic women’s walkout also brilliantly highlights the undeniable impact of labor when it withdraws.
Your piece is a heartfelt call to action, inviting us to really see and thank the people who make our lives possible. It’s a powerful invitation to shift our perspective and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the intricate web of human connection that supports us all.
Thank you for crafting such a poignant and thought-provoking piece.