Have you ever been at the receiving end of random acts of kindness? You know, the ones where you least expect them, but they bowl you over, nonetheless. The ones that restore your faith in humanity and rekindle the need to pass on that kindness to another stranger in need. I’ve had a few such instances that left me humbled, surprised, and thankful. In this week’s blog, I want to share a couple of them with you, because kindness never goes out of style. Showing some tenderness and concern without an agenda, especially towards strangers, is something we can all do more of. As living beings, we can only expect to receive when we give.
Many moons ago, I was sitting on a bench late at night at a subway station in New York City. I was on my way back to my apartment from mid-town Manhattan in the dead of winter. I had on my winter gear, including a hat with a pom-pom on it, and I was trying with all my might to not ugly cry. My boyfriend (now ex) had just broken up with me and then sent me packing. I wasn’t expecting the break-up for many reasons, so I was shocked and deeply hurt when it happened. As I sat on that bench desperately waiting to get back to the safety of my bed where I could shed the tears, there was a tear here and there that slipped away. As I wiped away those tears and sat there by my lonesome self, a stranger walked up to me. She was a young lady with a knowing look. I almost noticed a hint of a smile that suggested comradery and not mockery. After all, who hasn’t had their heart broken in their youth?
This lady told me in the softest of voices and gentlest of tones that no matter what I was experiencing, it would pass, and there would come a time when I’d feel better. Although I was hurting from the break-up and would for a long time, I found temporary comfort in her words. Here was a complete stranger in the big, bad city of New York giving me words of encouragement. By the time I thanked her, my train arrived. I got on and sat there feeling a little less alone and a little more hopeful that I would be fine.
Not long before this incident was when I first moved to New York City. I arrived during the dog days of summer lugging a heavy suitcase. My luggage and I were on our way to my temporary housing. As soon as I got off at my underground station, the stifling heat and humidity settled on me. Then, the panic set in, because I realized there was no elevator. Unfortunately, I’d have to drag my baggage (pun intended) up the flight of stairs through the throng of passengers while maintaining my dignity and balance. As I started my ascent, I felt the weight of the bag drastically drop. For a split second I wondered if I’d accidentally let go of the bag’s handle, but that wasn’t the case. I looked back and to my utter surprise, I saw a stranger a couple of steps below me lifting the bottom end of the bag. When he saw my questioning look, he smiled at me and told me to keep going. He helped me all the way to the exit and barely stopped for me to thank him.
This man’s gesture felt like it was all in a day’s work for him. He made it seem like it was no big deal to help a young girl struggling to pull half her weight. I was so grateful and surprised that someone in a crowded New York City subway station noticed my situation and offered a helping hand. This may not seem to be a big deal to many, but it’s not every day that one is bestowed with such kindness in the Empire State.
I am forever thankful for the warmth and tenderness my friends and family have shown me in my hour of need. I’m equally, if not more, grateful for receiving those gifts from strangers. I’ve only shared two such instances in the blog. In reality, there are plenty more ranging from a stranger giving me detailed driving instructions to giving me a genuine compliment to holding the door open for me. On the dark days, when I look back on these random acts of kindness, I am reminded of how blessed I am. These memories are the fuel to get back up, give back, and try again. They inspire me to trust again, and, most importantly, to pass on the kindness.
Do yourself a favor and take some time to think about those moments where kindness knocked on your door when you least expected it. No act of kindness is too small or big, so ponder leisurely. When even one such moment comes to mind, I am certain it will leave a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Above all, I hope recollecting that moment encourages you to give back in your own way and on your own time.
As always, I am here to support you all the way. I hope you keep in touch with your stories, thoughts, and feedback. If you wish to learn more, please stop by www.imperfectbodies.com. Lastly, if you enjoyed this information, then please share it with others.
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All the best,
Chaitni