We’re well into November, considered by many as the gloomiest month of the year. As the days get shorter and temperatures continue to drop, it’s no surprise if people living in countries with several months of winter are experiencing a dip in mood and energy.
But, regardless of the country you live, in today’s fast-paced world, life can become pretty hectic. And, with the holiday season upon us, this time of the year can get even more depressing for some people.
While eating healthy, exercising and going for daily walks outdoors will definitely boost your mood and energy level, did you know that small random acts of kindness is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself, improve life satisfaction and make a positive difference in others’ lives?
I realized to what extent this is true a few years ago while I was living in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. It was during the holiday season, and one day I witnessed a captivating act of kindness from an eight-year-old girl; an act that can actually be the ONE thing that could bring about a radical change in the world!
Meet Estella:
Every day after school, Estella would go out in the streets, trying to get left over food and second hand clothes for herself and four-year-old sister to help her mom support them.
On this particular day, as I was having coffee at my regular coffee shop, Estella was sitting in the corner just outside the door. I invited her to sit with me and we shared my oatmeal cookie, talking and laughing together.
At some point, a woman seated behind me, smiled at Estella and said, “You’re a very lucky little girl. Enjoy this moment with the nice lady.” Estella smiled back, turned to me and said, “She seems sad to be alone,” and stared back at the woman.
Then, when their eyes met again, in the softest voice, Estella asked her, “Why are you all alone? You look like you’re sad.”
The woman said, “Yes, this time of the year makes me a little sad.”
Estella stood up and whispered in my ear, “I’ll go sit with her. She’s sad to be alone.”
I watched as she made her way to the woman and put her arm around her shoulders.
“Don’t be sad, I’ll sit with you,” she said.
The woman’s eyes teared up and I got a little choked up myself. They spoke for a while longer until Estella was due back home. She got up and they engaged in one last warm hug before she left.
It turned out that the woman was a broadcaster at a popular local radio station. Having been so touched by this eight-year-old’s gesture—that despite Estella’s obvious daily struggles and hardships, she felt someone else’s pain and took the time to make her feel better—the woman put together a group of volunteers, including myself, and organized a big Christmas event for all the children in Estella’s neighborhood.
On Christmas Eve day, hundreds of children enjoyed a fun filled day of games, face painting, a Christmas meal and the pinata finale.
I was so consumed with Estella’s tender act of kindness, that it has stuck with me to this day.
From my experience of meeting, talking and working with people from different parts of the world, I believe that as human beings, we are wired to need warm, heartfelt human connections.
I know that with the pressures of today’s modern society, sometimes we can get caught up in our busy schedules, which can weaken the quality of deep human connections and affect our mood.
When I find myself falling in this trap, I think back to Estella. I smile and am reminded that just a random act of kindness doesn’t take up much time, and has the power to make us feel connected, bringing peace and joy into our lives and in the lives of others.
We are all on this journey called life. Our shared humanity, our imperfections, our sufferings and our longing to be understood and appreciated unites us all. When one of us is going through a hard time, it touches us all in some way, even if it seems like it doesn’t concern us. If at times we are unable to help others, let’s at least not hurt one another.
Our words and actions have a significant ripple effect on others way beyond our knowing and eventually make their way back to us.
This winter and holiday season, let’s break down the walls that divide us, and try to do our best to learn, grow and love with all we’ve got in making a radical change in the world.
