An act of kindness

It’s true that you never stop learning everyday, especially from your friends. I learned from my friends what genuine kindness is, and how mere small gestures can really change a day. I remember once walking to the MTR station from the Vine with 2 friends, and it was late and I just wanted to get home. On the pedestrian bridge, there was a woman from the Mainland that was struggling with 2 huge suitcases asking for directions to the airport bus. She looked frantic, lost, and just tired from pulling the 2 suitcases along, and my friend didn’t hesitate before taking one suitcase from her and pulling it for the wandering woman. Even though she doesn’t know where the bus is herself, she willingly jumped in, took the suitcase and directed the lost woman and the 2 friends who merely followed to the main street and asked for directions to the bus stop. The thank-you and appreciation she received from the woman truly came from her heart.

Today, a couple of friends and I decided to go hiking at Sai Kung; after completing the trail, we were all walking along the main road heading to the bus stop; in the middle of the road, there were a couple of construction workers mending a strip of the road and as we were passing by, they all stopped working and were just looking at us. I was walking ahead of everyone, and I felt quite awkward and uncomfortable since it’s so obviously we were being stared at so openly; suddenly, I heard a cheerily and hearty HELLO bellowed out to the workers behind me and immediately I saw the workers’ faces all lit up and suddenly they were waving and saying hello to us too! Quite honestly, this blew me away, especially since living in such a busy city where the human to human interaction is so limited, I was really shocked at the warm hellos trailing after us! Today I learned that all it took is a small wave, a smile of acknowledgement, or a hearty hello that could immediately warm people up; rather than passing by and pretending we don’t see each other, by making a quick connection brings such warmth, and I just love it!

I am never a huge fan of kids, especially spoiled and bratty children that scream and run around blocking your path, but helping out with the African drum class at the down syndrome society gave me so much rewards. These children face physical handicap, but they are so willing to express and share their happiness with you, it’s just absolutely amazing. Today was the last lesson, and at the end of class, when one of the most handicapped boys walked by with his mom and dad, he came over and just gave me the biggest hug! I thought my face will crack from my huge smile, and he has just brightened up my day so much!

Today, I’ve learned to be more kind and I am up for the human connection! I learned that we’re all just people, we shouldn’t mask our feelings and we should greet one another, this world will be such a better place if all of us just smile and say hello to one another. It’s true what they say; all it takes is a smile to brighten up someone’s day.

There is something you may give a friend and stranger too;
It seems that when you give it, it’s given back to you.
This gift is worth a million, but doesn’t cost a dime; it’s lasting in effect,
But doesn’t take much time.
This simple little gesture can make the day worthwhile;
It’s just as good as sunshine—
That is what we call a smile
~jill wolf~