Tags
community, compassion, courage, Diana Schwenk, Gratitude, growing up, happy, humanity, humility, Hump Day Chronicles, integrity, joy, kindness, laughter, life, living in the moment, love, Purpose, Relationships, service
I had the privilege of interviewing someone yesterday. Someone whose childhood was marked by abandonment, abuse and neglect. Someone who coped by making bad choices as a result.
His story was heartbreaking and made me question…
No, it made me wrestle with the whys. Why do people treat other people so horribly? And not just other adults, but children. Children who need a better foundational start at life.
But to be honest, that’s not the part of his story that stuck with me.
What stood out was his gratefulness. For every time someone showed him kindness. Every time someone reached out to help him. Went out of their way to give him hope. Saw him, loved him for who he was, took action to make a difference in his life — and did it all without judging him.
His story reminded me of all the people in my life who were pivotal, who were catalysts in changing my life for the better. Most did not even know to what extent they impacted me, inspired me, motivated me to find purpose in my life by serving others.
His story reminded me how important it is to reach out and help others just because I’ve been helped. To pay it forward, to never forget where I came from, to stay humble and grateful.
It’s what brings out the best in humanity. Don’t you think?
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Mary Ellison said:
The phase an “attitude of gratitude” has always been my motto. Pay it forward is another aspect of my life. It’s the way I would like to be treated so I in turn treat people that way. Its the law of attraction in action!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Mary and welcome to talktodiana. I love the phrase, “It’s the law of attraction in action! ❤
Diana xo
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Mary Ellison said:
I’ve listened, watched, read “The Secret” so many times I can quote them now!
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Vicki Flaherty said:
Reblogged this on This Abundantly Delicious Life and commented:
Who did you really see and encourage and support today?
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much Vicki! ❤
Diana xo
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Vicki Flaherty said:
There is such power in seeing people, really seeing accepting them in all their uniqueness…a beautiful post. Thank you!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes there is, thank you so much Vicki! ❤
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
I do indeed Diana, my Dad was always helping other people, at first I did not get it. I wondered how he found the time or money when he had nine mouths to feed. But as I grew I watched how people around the town loved him and when he left us we found a suitcase full of thank you notes, he had kept every one. A life of giving and so many that missed him when he was gone. I need to do more and carry on my fathers kindness to others in need.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow your dad sounds awesome Kath! ♡
Diana xo
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Minuscule Moments said:
He really was and I miss him heaps but he is in my heart every day Diana
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dianasschwenk said:
Yeah I hear you Sister!
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Stephanie Faris said:
Oh wow. So beautifully put. Yes, it is sad that there are horrible people in this world, but I also find there are a LOT of really good people, as well.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Stephanie and welcome to this space! ❤
Diana xo
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sedge808 said:
‘to never forget where I came from, to stay humble and grateful.’
yep
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dianasschwenk said:
I knew you would Understand! ♡
Diana xo
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Graham in Hats said:
The miracle of humankind is that only a very small percentage of those abused become abusers in search of indiscriminate revenge. It is the foundation for hope and the inspiration of faith in the true fellowship of humankind. Have a nice day. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Beautifully put GRAHAM! ♡
Diana xo
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David Kanigan said:
Wow. Moved.
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dianasschwenk said:
So glad to hear that David. ❤
Diana xo
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utesmile said:
Absolutely Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Right? Thanks Ute! ❤
Diana xo
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Southern Sea Muse said:
Agreed…hope leads to restoration and resilience! What a beautiful post. Thank you, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure, thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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joannerambling said:
I don’t understand why some people seem to enjoy hurting others and people who are weaker then them, I know it happens but why I will never understand
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m not sure they enjoy it, but like you, I wonder why Jo-Anne. ❤
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
I absolutely DO think!!!! Well said Diana.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Lords work you do.
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dianasschwenk said:
Such a sweet thing to say Lisa, thank you. ❤
Diana xo
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bulldog said:
An inspiring story that makes one fell “am I doing enough?”
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bulldog said:
Feel
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dianasschwenk said:
I knew what you meant bulldog! 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Well I hope it doesn’t make you feel inferior in any way, I was just so inspired by his story. ❤
Diana xo
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russtowne said:
I do indeed, my friend. Thank you for your heartwarming reminder.
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dianasschwenk said:
My pleasure Russ. ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer Kelland Perry said:
Paying it forward brings out the best in humanity indeed. Thanks, Diana. ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
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Val Boyko said:
Well said Diana. Thank you for this lovely reminder ❤
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Val! ♡
Diana xo
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