Have you experienced the sting of being laughed at, but not with someone?

Have you ever heard others laughing "at you" and not "with you"? I think we all have had that painful experience and I was reminded of one such moment this week...
Here's that story: Right before I decided to start my business, I pulled in at a garage sale with toys to see what fun treasures I could find for my four year old and one year old. I saw something right away and knew that I wanted to purchase the plastic bowling pins for our long hallway. I could already see my kids having fun with this set! The bright primary colors were pulling me in and I looked at the price tag and realized I was a little short on cash. At this point in time, there was no venmo or cash app, etc and I didn't want to waste gas driving to my bank for a couple extra dollars. As a stay at home mom, my salary was zero, even though my responsibilities were 24/7. As a natural problem solver, I realized I had a book of stamps in my wallet and asked the two friends if they would be open to accepting my $8.40 new book of stamps since I was short on cash in my wallet. As I recall, the bowling set was $8.00 so they would receive a little extra with my book of stamps. They said "yes", but then snickered and laughed when they thought I was out of reach on the way to my car. I could hear them giggling and saying something about stamps.
For a moment, I felt the sting of shame that they were laughing at me and not with me. I didn't let that moment sit for long though because I knew I was going to have so much fun bowling with my kids in our long front hallway.
That sting that I felt was part of what propelled me to look into a business where I could make an income and also continue to spend time with my kids as much as I wanted. So...I guess in the end, I'm grateful that this happened, even though those two women could have been a lot kinder in that moment.
Here is what I know: A stay at home mom works tirelessly and will do anything she can for her kids. Her value is not measured by a paycheck, but instead, by the endless hours of playtime, reading stories, managing sibling fights, planning the fun and the chores and doing her best to keep everyone fed and healthy. Some days it is pajamas until noon and waffles for dinner, but it all works. It can be exhausting some days and so fulfilling on others. My original mission in seeking out that bowling set all those years ago was to pour into my kids and that is still what drives me today. Back then, there were not as many options for work I could do from home, but somehow, I found the best fit for me. If any part of this story resonates with you and you have a deep desire to stay home with your kids and also earn income so that you can do special things with your family or cover the groceries, trips and expenses, I would be happy to answer your questions. What started as my part time work during naptimes, has become my full time work that I adore. Comment: "interested" if you would like to hear about our June offer or send me a private message if that's more your style.
Being part of a community of women who are positive, encouraging, uplifting and who only laugh WITH YOU .... is everything!