In the bathroom of a diner in Victoria, I found exactly what I needed. My family was about to start our voyage home after a lovely weekend away. The kids were excited and a bit rambunctious. As anyone that has had the pleasure of travelling with small children will know excited children are cute but they can seriously get under a parent’s skin when walking down busy streets and through security at an airport. The day had just begun and I was already irritated.
On the back of the door in the bathroom was a sign. It said “Take What You Need” with little cut outs that a passer-by could rip off and take with them. One of the tabs said “Patience.” I ripped it off and put it in my pocket. The sign was a simple gesture that I found myself thinking back to the rest of the day. My daughter even asked about it occasionally. “Mom do you still have your patience?” My answer always was the same. “Yeah sweetheart. It is right here in my pocket.” That simple gift from an anonymous stranger with a bit of wit and some scotch tape made my day.
I was so inspired by this brief moment in my life that I have found myself taping these signs to random bathroom doors. I took them to my class and shared them with my students. They are posting them now too. I even posted a picture of the sign on Facebook and one of my friends put a similar sign up on her office door. She told me that she marvels at how the tags keep disappearing. Sometimes they start a conversation. Sometimes they are just gone.
Now one is on my office door as well. I have had many stop at my door and ask me which ones people are taking. I’m going to keep track. That way I can update my tabs to reflect what people around me are looking for.
It is a simple gesture that has a surprising impact on hope. Someone took the time out of their day to tape a silly sign on a door that warmed my heart. I hope that my signs do the same for others. You never know who needs a smile and a bit of encouragement. And maybe the sign will empower someone to go ahead and take what they need.
Stories like this restore my faith in people. It is unbelievable the power one little word can have. It’s like a pat on the shoulder from a complete stinger saying “I’ve been there. I know how you feel.” I am going to make some of these signs to post around town. I’d love to know what other words you have used besides the ones in the photo above.
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Donna
Hey Donna, Thanks for the comment. I’m not sure what other words this sign had. I put on mine “Hope, Health, Trust, Acceptance, Courage, Strength, Acceptance, Faith, Love, Patience”. I plan to mix it up every once in a while.
Krista
Strength, Hope, Friendship, Love, Patience, Trust, Forgiveness, Faith,
If you can think of others, I’d love to hear them.
Krista
Cool. What are the other strengths that are already taken in the photo?
Hey Peter. This is a pic of the one I found on the bathroom door. So I am not sure which others are missing from the photo. I put Strength, Hope, Friendship, Love, Patience, Trust, Forgiveness and Random others when I can think of them.
Krista