It's called, karma.

I was walking Across Michigan Avenue when I heard someone call my name. As I turned around to see who it was I was greeted by someone I haven't seen in a very long time. It was a colleague from my consulting days many many years ago, more than a decade in fact.

As she hurried towards me I smiled in recognition and she said "do you remember me?" "Of course I do" I replied. She introduced her husband to me and shared a story of something I did for her which I had totally forgotten.

More than a decade ago we were both working on a project in Connecticut when her uncle died. She was distraught and wanted to return home to attend his funeral. The project manager refused to allow her to leave. 

Then she said "Yvonne stood up for me." She said "it's not right that Diane should'nt be allowed to attend the funeral. We'll manage fine without her." 

In the end, she was allowed to attend the funeral. I went back to work and eventually forgot about it. She did not. As she told me that day, it was the first time anyone had ever stood up for her like that. 

I had forgotten the incident. She did not.

Today I was contacted on LinkedIn by a woman requesting a connection with me who forgot that we had already met. It was not a good experience for me. 

She started a networking group in Chicago and I attended to meet LinkedIn people off-line. It was not a good experience.

This woman, who I will not name, treated me in a condescending, dismissive, disparaging, and arrogant manner. I was appalled, as she looked and seemed professional until she opened her mouth.  It was disappointing, especially in light of the fact that this is her group, and I was there, by invitation, as her guest.

That was two years ago and the impression that she gave me is one I will never forget.

Everything that we do remains in time. Kindness will send you some more kindness and cruelty, harshness, and meaness will return in kind. You get what you give in this life.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” 

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” -― Kahlil Gibran

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