Week 34: Sharing is caring

By Published On: July 31st, 2015

Sharing is caring—perhaps one of the simplest, yet truest mottos […]

Sharing is caring—perhaps one of the simplest, yet truest mottos in the English language. From the playground to adult life, I feel that sharing is one of the purest, least complicated ways we can show we genuinely care about another person. It’s foolproof really, but unfortunately, in our day-to-day lives, we forget how impactful simple acts like this can be. Maybe we should care to share a little more.
You know what has been really refreshing throughout this pregnancy? The support and kindness I’ve received. I was telling a co-worker about this phenomenon earlier this week, and she playfully responded that I better “enjoy it while it lasts,” because once I have the kid, it would all be over. Oh no, I thought, but it’s so nice. I expected support from my family and friends, of course, but not the positive reactions from random people.
photoLast week, while putting away my shopping cart at the grocery store, a man ran over and literally grabbed it out of my hands to return it for me. Co-workers at the restaurant have voluntarily picked up shifts, so I wouldn’t have to over-work. And all day long, strangers ask how I’m feeling, and tell me how good I look this far along, mentioning my glow. (Us mamas know this is ‘glow’ is sweat, but I’ll take it, people.) It’s all been overwhelming in a very good way—the way others have wanted to seemingly share in my joy. They’ve wanted to share their time, share their energy and share their advice.
It has me asking the question: What if we treated each other this way in every circumstance? What if it wasn’t just reserved for pregnant women, but we treated everyone we encountered with the sensitivity and care we dole out to expectant mamas? I’m not advocating for handling every situation with kid gloves or lending out excuses, but I do, however, like the idea of focusing on simple acts of care such as giving up a seat to stranger, applauding accomplishments (outside of babies and engagements) great and small, and maybe even lending a heartfelt, “you’re doing great.” What could it hurt?
Last Sunday, I got to experience this first hand at the joint baby shower that I shared with my co-worker and friend, Atyia, who is expecting a baby boy next month. Darrin and two friends, Lauren and Christy Lee, planned a beautiful, low-key shower for us both at our sister restaurant. It meant a lot to me that our co-workers came out to celebrate with us because they were there from the beginning “find-out-phase” filled with nausea, the “I’m feeling more myself” second trimester, and all the way to now—the “we’re almost there, girl—yay!” I don’t know about other mamas, but I enjoyed having someone to complain to, laugh with and compare notes with at work. While opening gifts at the shower, it was just really cool to look over and see her doing the same. And though we both have separate family showers to look forward to, it was a perfect experience I’ll always treasure. An experience for two, and there was enough love to share.