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đ Warning: The words in this blog are free-range and organically grown, including a generous sprinkle of adult seasoning. đś Reader's discretion (and humor) is advised.
To say that the last five years have been challenging for me would be an understatement. I believe this sentiment holds true for everyone, as none of us have fully recovered from the enduring impacts of a global pandemic. However, my experience has been further intensified. Roughly a year before Covid emerged, my life was shattered by the death of my husband of 27 years, who was also my only true safety net.
Without going too much into all the nitty-gritty and dirty details of my life, I will tell you that my husband, while a wonderful human being in many ways, was not the most responsible and unknown to me, left me with no life insurance for me and our two children but also over $100,000.oo in debt.
Over the last five years, I've navigated not only the impact of Covid on my business but also the financial turmoil left by my husband. Living in Orange County, Californiaâone of the most expensive areas in the countryâcompounded these challenges, forcing me to make some tough decisions. These choices led to significant changes in my life, including selling our family home of nearly 20 years. With my two children and two dogs in tow, I moved to Las Vegas seeking a fresh start.
I share all of this with you because I believe it's crucial to set the scene and offer a clear glimpse into the reality and mindset that have shaped my experiences over the past few years.
As the dust has settled, I hadn't anticipated not only the profound impact the last few years have had on myself and my family but also on the world at large, setting the stage for what I can only describe as an existential crisis. As someone whose profession revolves around helping others, I have the unique opportunity to converse with people from across the country and all walks of life. It's become clear to me that there's a significant shift happening worldwide, and frankly, it's frightening.
Most days, I manage to navigate the complexities of being human, maintaining my usual cheerful disposition and positive outlook. However, there are days when even the smallest things can trigger an intense reaction.
Upon reflecting on my sometimes disproportionate reactions to the little things, I consistently arrive at the same realization: it's not the minor annoyance itself that triggers me, but rather the larger implications it symbolizes.
Which brings us to the story at hand...the email!
As a business owner, especially one who is navigating the new world of business and commerce (thank you Jeff Bezos) I am constantly looking for ways that I can improve and present my products and services in a way that is more convenient, cost-effective, and reduces the burden of risk for my clients.
Some of my ideas are rolled out with trepidation, unsure of how they will be received. However, a few weeks ago I introduced a new service with a blend of confidence and excitement! I was convinced this offering was a game-changer, as it eliminated ALL the risk for the client and directly addressed all of their pain points.
BTW...you can CLICK HERE to check it out if you are curious.
So, with confidence and excitement in my new service, I sent out an email announcing the launch. The next morning, filled with hopeful anticipation for the positive responses I was sure to receive, I was instead greeted by a reply that contained a simple yet powerful sentiment:
STOP FUCKING SPAMMING ME!
WHOA! Completely deflated and triggered...big time!
That one little sentence from a total stranger made me want to give up hope in myself and humanity!
Why couldn't he just unsubscribe? Why did he have to be such an asshole?!
I sat with my emotions for a few minutes and full disclosure...there was some crying involved. Ok, a LOT of crying! lol
I realize that my reaction was shaped not just by the trauma from my childhood and the traumatic experiences I've faced over the last five years, but also, perhaps more significantly, by my deep concern for the human condition and the overall state of humanity.
I was overcome with a compelling urge to take action. It wasn't just about standing up for myself but also about doing what I could to feel like I was a part of the solution. So, in response, I took the initiative to look him up and find his phone number online, and then I sent him the following text.
"Good morning Jason my name is Gina and I am the widowed single mom who is hustling every day to do whatever I can to earn an honest living to support myself and my kids (and who legitimately offers a valuable service that helps people) who you decided to, instead of simply unsubscribing from my emails, you decided that it was really important to tell me to stop fucking spamming you even though I get all of my emails legitimately.
There was a human being behind that email and you could have chosen kindness or even disregard but instead, you chose anger.
I know you probably think I am a crazy person for texting you but I felt like I needed you to know that your response had an effect on me, even though I'm a stranger.
Like a lot of human beings right now, I am struggling and your simple "stop fucking spamming me" was the tipping point to make me want to give up hope on myself and my fellow human beings.
I truly hope that when you have another opportunity to choose anger or kindness you will choose the latter and remember that we are all in this together and all just trying to do the best we can to survive."
It's a lot, I know!
And, I am sure you are wondering if Jason responded.
The answer is yes!
Jason responded with a sincere apology for his negative reaction and wished me well in my endeavors!
I felt an instant connection to Jason, realizing that he must be facing his own challenges to react in such a manner to my email. My hope was reinforced by his decision to take responsibility for his actions, to consider another perspective on the situation, and to choose kindness and understanding.
YAAAA Jason!!! đ
And score one point for humanity! đ
To some, my reaction might seem overblown. It was just an email... "Geez, get over it!" you might be saying. But it's not merely about an email; it's about a broader issue: the collective neglect of common courtesy and consideration. It's a reflection of the deteriorating mental health of our society. Ghosting has become a common practice, where people vanish without any regard for the connections that might have been formed or for the feelings of the person on the other end.
In everyone's pursuit of survival, disregarding the emotions of others has become the unfortunate norm.
As someone who typically doesn't let the small things get to me, I'm acutely aware that if I'm experiencing this heightened state of agitation and turmoil, I can't possibly be the only one feeling this way.
No doubt you will have your own reaction to this story. I hope that it will be inspiration (or at least entertainment & humor) but I understand that for some it may be judgment. That's ok, this is my story and my life and for me the takeaway was huge!
This situation has NOT led me to lose hope in myself or humanity; on the contrary, it has reinforced my commitment to double down on both myself and humanity!
It has shown me the importance of standing up for myself and my beliefs without fear, and, most importantly, it has taught me that I can defend my principles while still coming from a place of love and kindness. This experience has served as a powerful reminder that it's entirely possible to assert oneself while simultaneously maintaining a stance of compassion, both towards myself and others.
I'm not entirely sure what actions I can take to help counteract the challenges our world is facing, but for my own sanity and well-being, I feel compelled to at least make an effort.
I understand you're busy, and I'm aware that you have your own stresses and worries. But please try to remember that we're all in this together. Always opt for kindness, or at the very least... just unsubscribe for god's sake!
P.S. You may have noticed a message at the bottom of our emails. This message was inspired by this story and is now included in all of our email marketing campaigns. Feel free to use it yourself if you like! đ