* Written while standing in an early voter line for two hours on Friday
The one standing behind you—she’s nervous and wonders if you notice her fidgeting.
The one in front of you—he’s desperately hoping he’s not going to be late to work. He can’t afford to be late.
That one in the yellow sweater—she just had a fight with her son. She’s practicing what she’ll say to him tonight.
The one wearing the Cubs ball cap is still riding the victory high. Gotta love that guy’s permanent smile.
That one in the floral scarf – she’s almost finished with chemo. Never has she been so grateful to be exercising her right to vote.
That new mom two rows over saw her baby’s first smile last night. She had no idea a smile could change her entire outlook on life.
Sunsets make that guy in the plaid tie weepy. Probably because his mom always pointed them out when he was a kid.
The gal with the curly ponytail is obsessed with that new show, This is Us. She DVR’ed it and is going to watch tonight.
The guy rubbing his chin is hoping to get some time off so he can take his dad fishing. He’s smiling to himself just thinking about the serenity of the water and their special connection that requires few words.
That puffy-eyed woman really wishes she’d had time for another cup of coffee.
The guy with the pensive look is thinking about how he could better organize this entire system.
The one staring off in the distance noticed her mother’s memory has been slipping.
The one biting his nails is thinking about starting an exercise routine to take him through the holidays. He’s feeling determined not to add an extra ten pounds.
She feels like she’s constantly pulled in too many directions; this long line is not helping the situation.
He loves to watch his kids sleep. The divorce has been rough, but the bedtime tuck in brings him unexplainable peace. He’s grateful they’re with him tonight.
She battling pain. It’s worse than ever today, but she is here. She is here.
He’s overdue for a physical. Maybe he’ll make the appointment while standing in line. He knows his wife would be happy if he did.
She’s voting for the first time. Her excitement is palpable.
Have you noticed?
We are more alike than we are different.
We all have similar longings, similar worries, similar fears, hopes, and dreams.
Yes, the details of our stories and struggles are different, but our desire to live a meaningful life is not.
The one about to enter the voting booth wants prosperity, freedom, and safety for his children and grandchildren,
just like you.
The one with her hands tightly clasped together is looking for a glimmer of hope,
just like you.
Smile at her.
Ask her how her day is going.
Commiserate about the long line.
Compliment her sweater—yellow is her color.
See the one holding a toddler on her hip? Encourage her. Tell her gorgeous brown-eyed boy how patient he’s being.
See the one in the Kindness Matters t-shirt? Tell her how much you love her shirt, and ask her where she got it.
Her heart beats, just like yours.
Her burdens get heavy at times, just like yours.
Her laugh is uncontrollable at times, just like yours.
She cries quietly in the car at times, just like you.
That father in the blue shirt will go home to his kids tonight. He will hold them close and hope for the best, as we all will. Because essentially, we all want what is best for our country and our world.
Although it hasn’t felt like it lately, we all want to move in a positive direction – to gather ourselves, begin healing our wounds, and walk away from this election stronger than we’ve ever been.
It starts right now, right here in this line—the line of humanity.
Where we stand shoulder to shoulder, flaws and all, hearts broken but still beating.
The line of humanity …
Where that one over there is looking for a glimmer of hope, just like you.
And maybe, just maybe, your smile will be the hope she’s looking for but never expected to find at the polls.
Written by Rachel Macy Stafford while standing in an early voter line on Friday. #onlylovetoday
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What do hope someone sees in you when you stand in line at the polls? We can learn so much by noticing and listening to each other. If this post inspired you, would you kindly share it with others? Through you, this message has the potential to change more than just the atmosphere at the polls tomorrow. Let’s flood the world with kindness today and in the days to come. Use the hashtag #WhatISawAtThePolls if you see something hopeful or make a new friend while standing in line.
If you would like a wearable reminder to choose love like the one pictured above, please see the ONLY LOVE TODAY metal cuffs, leather bracelets, and silicone reminder bands. My new friend in the poll line told me we can find Kindness Matters t-shirts here.
Thank you for being part of The Hands Free Revolution. I cherish all comments spoken & unspoken Together, there is hope.
Audry Hardy says
Great Illuminating Article Rachel! I am a husband and father who follows your articles.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you for being here, Audry, and for taking the time to leave such a positive comment! I am grateful!
Amanda says
Very strong words. From an onlooker Canadian neighbour.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you, Amanda. I have had the pleasure of coming to Canada with each of my book releases, and I am always touched by the kindness and community feeling I have wherever I am in Canada. Thank you so much for being part of this Hands Free community.
Leigh Ann Garrett says
Love, love, LOVE this!!! Can’t wait to stand in the line tomorrow, with my 6yo daughter, and hopefully make history! Thank you for this beautiful perspective & post. XO
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you, Leigh Ann!
Cyndi says
I’m going to be a “check-in” judge at the polls tomorrow. I’ll do my best to spread a kind word or compliment to each person I speak to. Thanks for this great reminder!
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you so much for your service & your kindness. I know it will make a difference!
Chris Musi says
Amazing article! As always, thank you for the proper perspective!!
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you for taking the time to read & leave such a beautiful note.
Lauren Purdy Hofstetter says
This post was special Rachel. You have a gift.
Rachel Stafford says
So nice to hear from you, dear friend. You made my day.
Nathalie says
I love your posts, each and every one. I saw this video I am sharing the link to below, yesterday, and it has the same sentiment that you write. I am working as a precinct election official tomorrow, so am only allowing positive thoughts in my mind.
https://www.facebook.com/DonatosPizza/videos/10154068629043231/
Lee Ann says
This post, Rachel’s article, Susan’s reply to Rachel’s article below, and the like are helping to melt a part of my heart that was hardening. Thank you. Humanity. Hope. Sending hugs out to you and this Nation today. Catch them.
Martha Brady says
Rachel, i love this! it’s a great reminder that we’re all on a level playing field as humans during this election…and we don’t have to be enemies.
Dawn says
It’s not the first post where you’ve mentioned scheduling a check up, and I finally did it after reading this one Rachel! Thanks for the words of wisdom and encouragement. Have a happy day!
Carin Kilby Clark says
This is so beautiful. Gives me hope. Makes me stop and notice the love that’s all around me. Thank you for this reminder.
Lee Ann says
Thank you, Rachel for this glimmer of hope; for the reminder to see all voters as people, with their own stories, their own struggles, hopes and dreams. I have been dreading this election, even of actually voting – an exercise I have done with pride and ambition in the past. Instead of fear, I will bring hope with me to the polls tomorrow. Daughter in tow, I will notice the people of my community, wonder what their stories may be, smile at many and chat with at least one. I needed this. Thank you RMS!
Linda says
Spoken words of truth. Thank you! Thank you!!❤️❤️
Anne Liebrecht says
we need change!!Lord, make it a good positive one,Amen.
jennifer says
It’s so true. We are more alike than different! Seeing that Kindness Matters T-shirt reminded me of a bumper sticker I saw the other day, while I was in line for voting. I knew you would love it. It said, simply LOVE WINS. Beautiful. Thank you as always Rachel for a ray of sunshine in a cloudy day and for helping us keep a clear perspective in this crazy, hectic, wonderful world.
Sandy says
This post literally brought me to tears! I can feel every emotion in your words! I must admit I feel slightly selfish to have utilized the 1 hr. & 15 min. wait taking to me dearest friend of 32 years, 550 miles away and missed opportunities to “observe”, converse & reflect! Interestingly enough I did observe a cute elderly man with a yellow shirt right in front of me,with hearing aids & wondered briefly of his marriage status, political view & even smiled a few times. Shame on me though for lessons that could have been taught or neat stories that could have been shared! But it’s also a breath of fresh air when I get to speak to my dear B.F.F. & converse as well! ? Thank you for sharing!
Donna Stone says
Thank you for shining some light on what has been such a negative campaign. I work at a Catholic college and forwarded this to all of my peers as a reminder of our true purpose, despite our political affiliations. Thank you, Rachel, for continually inspiring me. Ever since discovering your book and blog, our house practices “hands-free half days” on weekends, so that we truly disconnect. We hide our phones and just hang out without the distraction. Eventually I’m hoping for full days, but for now we’re practicing baby steps since my husband feels like this is a form of torture!
Melanie says
So good, so important. I vow to *Only Love Today* and may all of us try to bring healing and unity to those around us in the coming days.
Lee Ann says
Me too, Melanie. Me too.
Susan says
I was feeling pretty low when I got to the polls to vote in the primary. Having just completed six rounds of chemotherapy, I was feeling pretty beat up physically and emotionally. Someone in line gave me a compliment on the pendant I was wearing. It was a piece I had made myself, while recovering from chemotherapy induced neuropathy. That comment made me want to create more jewelry…..and making more jewelry helped the heal the neuropathy. As the neuropathy improved, so did my skills. Now I am selling my work in galleries and art shows. One word of kindness can change a person’s whole world.
Rachel Stafford says
OH MY GOODNESS, Susan! This is beautiful, hopeful, healing, and powerful! One comment inspired SO MUCH! I am thankful you shared your incredible story and for your beautiful presence in the world!
Paulette Bailey says
Susan you are an inspiration <3
Paulette Bailey says
Thank you Rachael. I almost passed this “article” by but I did read it and it was certainly worth the read. It seems to tell a lot about the person you are. I will be looking forward to reading more of your writings. Susan certainly was a wonderful affirmation to your sentiments.
Rachel Stafford says
I am so glad you read it, Paulette, and that you paused to leave such an affirming message to me. I can assure you that I cherish messages like this and use them as writing fuel. Thanks for being here.
Lee Ann says
Wow! This is an incredible story, Susan! Thank you for sharing this. It softens my heart when this election was producing anger and fear. It affirms my efforts to reach out and connect. Susan, what a beautiful gift you are to this planet. Thank you.
John S Green says
We are more alike than different—we are all human.
Jon W says
My sister shares your blog from time on FB and honestly I’ve never read it, but I was compelled to read this one. This election has been traumatic in so many ways. I strongly support one candidate over the other, but nonetheless this election has been painful and ugly to be a part of. What you’ve written is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for doing it.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you, Jon. I am humbled by your kind words. Thank you so much for taking the time to read & respond.
Amy Canby says
I love what you see and write about in the every day moments of life. You’re words are a gift to us all.
Thank you!
Erin Templeton says
Thank you for pointing out that every one of us is a whole person living his or her own very full life. I’ve been seeing so much divisiveness around me that I forgot my daily practice of silently blessing others. I got back to that today thanks to your post. A man was at the post office wearing a t-shirt with a flag and the name of his choice for president. It’s not the same choice I’m making, but I made a point of asking for blessings to fill his day, for him to feel the love in his life, for him to know joy. Seconds later he turned his head and complained in a general way about the wait. I took that opportunity to chat with him a bit. We had a nice conversation, two strangers just passing time. Before he was called up to an open window I mentioned his shirt. I said something about being glad we live in a country where we have the right to vote and a tradition of accepting whoever the majority elects. We wished each other well.
If you have time in our tumultuous pre- and post-election days, I suggest all of us lift our spirits with a quick visit to this article, which pairs perfectly with Hands Free Mama’s post. It’s about living together despite our differences.
Erin Templeton says
Oops! Forgot the link to the article I mentioned!!!!
lauragraceweldon.com/2016/11/02/house-undivided/
laurie says
An exceptional post as always. Thank you for being and seeing the kindness in this world.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you. That means everything to me, Laurie.
Jennifer Fremon says
Rachel,
I wrote this today, about three hours ago. http://mamommyarchives.blogspot.com/2016/11/an-open-letter-to-all-of-humanity.html
Then I read (and shared) your wonderful post. Clearly we are feeling the same way today!
Rachel Stafford says
Tears. Yes, we are kindred hearts, and I love you, dear one.
“Please, above all, do not forget that we belong to each other.
And our children are watching.”
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Tamara says
Thank you Rachael! I am Australian but this is by far one of the most moving things you have ever written! Thank you for helping to bring us together – all of us children of the world! We are desperate for a reason to connect and remember that we ALL have a ‘broken but still beating heart’.
Thank you!!! Today you have really moved me!
Much Love
Tam
Rachel Stafford says
This means everything to me, Tam! Thank you!!!
Fioni Combrink says
Love reading your posts Rachel. As they pop up in my Inbox, I always safe them for the days when I need that inspirational tank-filler. Soft and kind insight into our day to day living. Reminders of the basic and beautiful connections we should not miss with our kids and community. Thanks for inspiring this Sydney mom!!
Rachel Stafford says
I love this so much! Thank you for such an affirming comment!!! I will remember it.
Erin W. says
Did you walk up and down the line and talk to people or did you just project ideas onto the characters you saw? I’m curious if you do walk up and down and talk to people. Either way, your point is well made. Thank you.
Rachel Stafford says
I observed each person carefully, listened to his/her conversation (if they were talking), and imagined what their story might be. I spoke to the woman in the ‘Kindness Matters’ t-shirt. She was lovely. Thank you for the thoughtful question & kind words about my post. I appreciate it.
Barb G. says
I have shared this..
I have read it 3 times. I can visualize this.
Your articulation is so perfect. Thanks.
Rachel Stafford says
I am saving your comment forever.
When I love something I have read, I read it three times, too.
Thank you for affirming me in a way that speaks so profoundly to my writer’s heart.
O. says
I’m following the elections from Europe with bated breath and you, Rachel, have managed yet again to shortcut to the core, to remind what – and who – this is all truly about.
What an amazing postcard of our shared humanity: beautiful, moving, alive, dignified. Thank you.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you so much. I cherish this loving feedback! Thank you for caring so much about our country and the world.
Rachel says
Beautifully written Rachel. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, insightful perspective with all of your readers.
Corlie Garrow says
It is by our behavior and the words we speak that will make a difference. Thank you for being a role model!
Jayne Anne says
I love, love, love this. This is what we need more of. Thank you so much for bringing out this much-needed perspective. Thank you for being a model for inspiration. I am so grateful I saw your piece.
Laurie Stone says
I love the way you see the humanity in everything. It takes a very awake, aware person to do that. I don’t know who you voted for, but I suspect I know who you didn’t vote for. Anyone as kind as you could only go one way.
Sandra beckwith says
Let’s hear it for sane voices who work hard to keep their priorities balanced. At the end of the day, kindness and respect expand our spirits, and crass, rude and mean-spiritedness diminish us. What could be more important to teach our children?
Val says
Thank you for this reminder!! It helped bring me peace about today!
Moriah Lane says
I was so wonderful to met you in the voting line! Love your blog and hope we can spread the kindness!! Love wins EVERY time!!
Rachel Stafford says
Oh my friend!! I was hoping I would hear from you! You blessed me & enabled me to bless others through you! Thank you for spreading kindness & love.
Chris Hampton says
What beautiful reminder! Thanks Rachel! So proud of you!
Andi says
Thank you for such beautiful words that I will treasure and share!
Naomi says
I heard Hebrews 10:24 quoted yesterday, and immediately thought of you: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Some translations use the words encourage, stimulate, and even provoke. The Message version says: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.” Thanks for all you do, Rachel! We need you now more than ever! ♥
Rachel Stafford says
That is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your loving support so much.
Laura McCarthy says
Your words are powerful and helping me wrap my head around the election and what’s next: that each person who voted was just one person with hopes and struggles and everyone in our country deserves to have their struggles lessened and hopes fueled. I live in a Boston suburb, and it’s easy to forget the tremendous privilege of education, affluence and progressive beliefs that surround me and not think about what each voter’s life could be like elsewhere in the country. I work for SPARK Kindness whose mission is to build kind, empowered, inclusive communities in which no child or family feels alone, bullied, unsupported or unconnected and will continue to spread the “only love today” message in our community for each and every person because each of us has a story and each of us matters.
Rachel Stafford says
Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. We need you more than ever. #onlylovetoday
Michelle S says
Rachel, I Quickly Glanced at this the other day, as a friend posted it ON election day. NOW Four days Post-Election and allll the hate on social media and around the world 🙁 THIS, your words, what you visualized in that line, what you articulated, spoke Straight to my heart! And the heart of the matter, we are ALL MORE Alike than we are Different! Thank you for the creative way in bringing out THIS Much Needed message! Thanks for taking the time to spread LOVE through the art of your words.
This was Beautiful AND a Needed Reminder!
Michelle S says
PS.
I could not edit my comment, but I meant to also say that while I Quickly glanced at it the other day TODAY I read it! All of it! Every word and line, and Today it means So MUCH! Definitely worth Sharing and reading again and again and again…..
Rachel Stafford says
I appreciate this so much!!!
Heather Leighe says
Thank you bringing positive perspective to what has been a painful week.