Gaining some perspective

So this post isn't running related as such but I definitely believe it is part of my journey so I'm going to include it.

I think we all go through stages of stressing or come across a problem that needs resolving. I've found myself overly stressing recently. Not so much just one problem but the thought of work, money and bills have seemed to dominate most conversations I have had. What is worse is I don't think I've realised how much I've let these concerns take over.

Today Lee went to work. Sunday is a day for Isabella and me so I decided we should do something fun. We took a walk into town and picked up some paper, finger paints and Peppa Pig cookie mix so we could get back in the warm in the afternoon.

Having called by to see Lee at work, I bought some sandwiches and we went and sat in the square before we headed back home. There were two benches available. One next to a lady with two little dogs and the other next to a man lying down with his dog next to him. I took the bench next to the lady with the dogs.

I gave Isabella a sandwich and she pulled it apart demolishing the cheese and having a nibble at the bread. She can be very picky- definitely my daughter!

As I was eating, I kept stealing glances of the man on the bench, he had now stood up and was counting some change out of his pocket; he didn't have much and his clothes were shabby. It was clear he was homeless. I don't know why I was so fancinated by this man but I had a real urge to help him in some way, just to do something. Having given up with her own lunch, barely half eaten, Isabella made a start on my lunch because it obviously would be better than her own.

Her left over sandwiches would soon be stale and would go in the bin.

The man with the dog was still there, I bundled Isabella into her pram with the rest of my lunch and made a beeline for the man. As I approached him, I called 'hello' to get his attentioned and passed him the sandwich I had left. I can't even tell you how grateful he was and I hoped I saved him some of the little money he had. Walking away I was shaking slightly. I didn't want to cry and I also wasn't overly happy but I really hope I made a bit of a difference to that man's afternoon.

Walking back home I was lost in my thoughts and realised how much time I had lost stressing over things this week. I don't always enjoy my job, but I do have a job. I'd like to make more money, but I do have enough money to put a roof over our heads and hot meals on the table every day. I will always strive for better, for myself and for my family but I think I was losing sight of what I do have. As well as a great family, I also have amazing friends.

If you do see someone on the side of the street, maybe just give them a little smile. They aren't all bad. After all, so many of us live one paycheck away from homelessness.

I may not have lots of money but I am most definitely rich in other ways!