Discovering Inner Strength in Difficult Times

Polish Lady

At Memriz, we believe that life is a continuous journey of experiences that demonstrate how kindness and compassion shape the way interact with one another.

At Memriz, we often talk about the power of small moments — how kindness and compassion can make all the difference in the world. Every interaction is an opportunity to connect, learn, and share experiences that stay with us. Recently, I had one of those moments, and it reminded me just how much strength people carry with them, often without realizing it.

A Memorable Encounter

I was volunteering to help register people for our Christmas hamper program. My role was to check IDs and make sure those eligible could receive their hampers. It seemed like a straightforward task — until I met a lovely lady who would go on to teach me something truly profound.

We started chatting about the weather, and how the sudden chill in the air felt surprising for this time of year. She casually mentioned she’d be spending Christmas with her sister, which led me to ask a little more about her family. I noticed her name was Polish, and admittedly, I struggled a bit with the pronunciation. When I asked her if she had family in Poland, I had no idea of the emotional story I was about to hear.

A Story of Strength and Loss

She began to share her story. She’d moved to the UK about 70 years ago, leaving behind family in Poland. As she spoke, I realized her family had been deeply affected by the war, and, judging by her age, some might have even been impacted by the Holocaust. In just a few sentences, she transported me to her past, a past filled with loss and resilience.

In that moment, I was at a loss for words. How do you respond to someone who’s sharing a story that carries so much weight and emotion? We were in the middle of a registration process, and here she was, opening up about something so deeply personal. I wanted to say something comforting, something meaningful — but I found myself choked up, unsure of what to say or do.

Embracing the Moment

So, I did the only thing I could think of: I listened. Sometimes, words aren’t necessary; sometimes, just being there is enough. She continued to speak, and I could tell that sharing this piece of her history with someone, even a stranger, mattered to her.

As she wrapped up her story and prepared to leave, I wanted her to have something to remember our encounter by. I handed her a small pouch with a Memriz lapel pin inside. I could see in her eyes that this small gesture meant more than any words could express. Her face softened, her eyes filled with gratitude, and in that moment, I felt something deeply resonate between us.

She promised to keep the pin, and I knew that every time she looked at it, she would remember that little moment we shared — a “Memriz Moment” in every sense.

Discovering Inner Strength in Difficult Times

Sometimes, we don’t need grand gestures to show compassion; we only need to listen, to be present, and to honour the stories that people carry. This experience reminded me that, despite the hardships we face, there’s always strength to be found — by discovering inner strength in difficult times in ourselves and in others.

As we approach this holiday season, let’s remember to slow down, be present, and cherish these small moments of connection. You never know whose day — or even life — you might touch with a simple act of kindness.

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Have you had a moment where you found strength or connection with someone unexpected? Share your story in the comments below! We’d love to hear how these small moments have impacted you.