We had a package arrive at our place over the weekend. What struck me was the words on the box, "Caution Fragile! Please handle with Care!" Ironically, the box itself was damaged during transportation all around those words.
Thankfully the product survived intact as the box took the brunt of the impact.
But it made me think of whether that phrase, "Fragile, please handle with care" should be applied to people and not just packages.
What if people we meet or work with on a daily basis came to work with a "Please handle with care" warning label?
"Fragile: please handle with care. . . I just lost my job, my teenager is struggling with an addiction, I got bad news from my doctor, I'm not at my best today."
We often treat people as if they are indestructible. That they don't have feelings. That our words and actions don't bruise them.
But we aren't robots, we feel deeply. And it's important to be reminded that we really should "handle with care".
I grew up with the phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." That couldn't be further from the truth. It's the words that cut deepest. Broken bones heal. Words can last a lifetime.
All of us have seasons where we're showing up in a weakened stage. And we would benefit from a little extra understanding and care and attention from those around us.
We can't control the actions of others, but we can control how we show up, and how we treat those around us, who might just be wearing a "Fragile: handle with care" sticker.
What's your experience been like when you have felt a bit more "raw" and "wounded" in life and work? Love to get your feedback below.