Noticed a big smile as I walk along the train platform. It is sparked by the fact that I have a hairbrush still rolled up in my hair, a highly unusual view amidst the impeccably dressed business people on this Monday morning. “Monday Morning”, I hear my thoughts chatter, “who smiles on a Monday morning on their way to work?” Especially in the summer where the blue skies announce a beautiful, hot day.
I remember the news I heard this weekend, the over 50% unemployment rate for youth in Spain. I can’t even begin to imagine what that feels like: the despair, the lack of purpose with too much time to think about it. I imagine the immigrants who have had to pack up, and move to a different country, a different culture, often leaving family and friends behind.
I am fortunate. I have a job to go to this morning, and I don’t have to face another full week looking for something that hardly exists. I have somewhere to go, something to do which at the end of the day will buy me dinner and pay for my rent.
A lady walks up to me and gently pokes my arm. “Excuse me, I just wanted to make sure you are aware of your hairbrush still in your hair?” I smile and explain my out of place actions, but not without thanking her for taking the time to let me know. There are few people who care enough to speak up, such behavior needs to be rewarded. We laugh, wish each other a great day, and she moves along.
The sun has just reached the top of the platform roof and greets me. I send a ‘thank you’ out to the world and let my face soak up the light. My Monday is off to a great start!
when i see you in my mind’s eye, your hair is always rolled up in a hairbrush…
🙂