We’re Different But Alike

I was standing in the rain at a bus stop in South America. I had moved abroad the year before and had adjusted fairly well but was not particularly amused with my surroundings of that moment. I was tired, hungry, and just ready to go home.

The stop was outside an open market with its distinctively unpleasant stench of urine combined with fried bananas amongst other things. Not a good combo I assure you. I popped open my small black umbrella bracing myself for the wait that would likely feel like an eternity.

That’s when she approached me…

A young 20-something like myself, but Ecuadorian and shorter. Long dark black hair, she smiled politely and then huddled herself under my tiny umbrella, no words said. I was amused and smiled back with sympathy. There we stood. Her skin, hair, eyes all dark and mine light but together under a drizzly sky waiting for the appropriate bus to take us away to a warmer place.

No words were needed it was just one of those days that you smile and search for warmth in your soul amidst the aggravations of the world.

Her bus came before mine and she looked back in gratitude as she ran off to catch it. All happened in a few short moments but got me thinking… we all have the same needs. We all could use a little kindness, on those days when life just seems glum and too normal. The sharing of an umbrella, a compassionate smile, a kind gesture.

It does not matter where you are, who you are, or what culture you come from, we all need love and kindness. Here are some ways to “Pay it Forward” and spread simple joy…

Smile
Sometimes you do not know what to say when someone looks down, but maybe all they need is your smile to lift them up. Whether it’s the waitress at your favorite lunch spot, the guy pumping gas into his Mazda, or that young new mom with the crying baby.

Share
It does not have to be an umbrella, but if you see someone in need and have something to share, go for it! I mean this is like kindergarten 101. We often forget about this principle, not because we don’t care, but because we’re immersed in our own issues and don’t pay attention. I know I’m guilty.

Leave a Note
Write some words of encouragement or a quote on a sticky note and put it somewhere people pass by. Think of mirrors in public bathrooms, on the seats in subways or buses, inside a library book. It can be fun and make you feel a bit James Bond 007.

Complete a Task
I think it comes from my stock room days, but I often pull items up to the front of shelves at stores. Or, pick up garments that have fallen to the floor. No one may notice, but I am saving someone else work and making things look clean and neat. It’s a small thing to do but gives all of us a better shopping experience.

Listen
I have been known for the fact that complete strangers come up to me and tell me their life stories or issues. I do not know; I think it’s a Southern thing. But, even if I don’t know the person, I try to listen. Honestly, sometimes I fail. After all, we all have our own stuff going on. It’s worth the effort, though, because truly being heard is a deep human desire. Our listening ears are a gift.

Have you had an experience, like mine, where you realized how we’re all different, but the same? I would love to hear about it.