This is a story about random acts of kindness.

About twelve years ago, my mental health was at its worst. A traumatic event had left me with post traumatic stress disorder and depression. I was a mess. At some point during this year, my sister gifted me my first ever Lush bath bomb. The fragrance was Avobath. I remember her telling me it was the most uplifting one she could find, and that she hoped it would help.

I remember sending her a message after I used it. I commented on how it zinged around the bath; how lurid the green of my bathwater was; and how gorgeous it smelled. And yes, for a short while I was uplifted.

This week has been a tough week. Single parenting is hard; single parenting a child who’s under the weather is harder; single parenting a child who’s both under the weather, and kind enough to share their germs with you is rough. Going to work on top of all that is a struggle. And when the antibiotics your child is on upset her stomach to the extent that every day brings at least one “accident” is enough to make you want to cry. Which I eventually did at about lunchtime today. I got so close to keeping my shit together until the end of the week, but something inside me just broke, and I didn’t quite make it.

I arrived home yesterday, bracing myself to tackle the latest accident clean up operation, and on my doorstep found a little envelope. Inside was a card with the message “sorry to hear you’re under the weather”, and a necklace featuring a tiny umbrella charm. My sister had done it again. She and I have never exactly been the types to tell one another we care, but just occasionally, she’ll surprise me with something like this and I’m always touched beyond measure. (I hope I do enough of the same for you too kiddo!)

I arrived home today, with yet another accident to deal with, and my wax melt delivery had arrived. I have never met the girl who makes my melts. She’s a friend of a friend. Her parcels always make me smile, and more often than not, she adds a cheery sticker, or a sample inside, just for kindness’ sake. She knows I’ve been dying to try her latest scent, and included it in my order today, despite it not being quite ready. The scent: Avobath.

I opened and took a big breath, and suddenly, the stress of the past week melted away, and I was once again uplifted by the kindness of those in my life.

There’s a lot to be said for random acts of kindness. They don’t have to be grand or showy or expensive to make the biggest difference. Whilst my frustrations and stresses and germs remain, I now feel far more able to face them with a smile.