The Kindness We Don’t Expect

 The Kindness We Don’t Expect

Life has a funny way of surprising us with kindness when we least expect it. These small, seemingly insignificant moments often leave the deepest impressions. I was reminded of this today while standing by the roadside, drenched and waiting for a commercial car or tricycle to ferry me back to my humble abode. There I was, soaked to the bone, next to another gentleman in the same predicament. Just as we were both resigning ourselves to the long, wet wait, a car pulled over. The driver, a stranger to both of us, rolled down his window and asked where we were headed. We told him, and he simply said, “Let me reduce your journey for you.”

In a time when economic hardship and insecurity are almost constant companions, this unexpected act of kindness felt like a warm embrace. Here was a person who chose to be kind, to extend a hand when it was least expected. I can't help but feel immense gratitude for this stranger. He could have driven past us, but instead, he chose to make our day a little easier, a little brighter.

And that wasn’t the only kindness I encountered recently. After a workout with a friend whom I affectionately refer to as sweet soul we decided to cool down with a walk. As we strolled, she surprised me by getting us both smoothies and breakfast. It was such a thoughtful gesture, one that I hadn’t anticipated, but it was just what I needed after a good workout. I’m so grateful for her kindness and the way she looks out for me.

Then there was the bike man who didn’t have change for my fare. Instead of insisting that I find exact change or making a fuss, he simply said I could leave the remaining #50. His sincerity struck me some might demand it as their due, but he didn’t. I chose to let him keep it, grateful for his genuine kindness in a world where such gestures are increasingly rare.

The coconut seller at the market is another example. Every time I visit, I buy just a small amount, only what I can afford. Yet, he never fails to treat me with kindness, often gifting me the coconut water for free. His generosity, though small in material value, is immense in spirit. It reminds me that kindness isn’t about grand gestures it’s about the small, consistent acts of goodness that make life sweeter.

I even encountered a young girl at the market who was frowning while attending to customers. I gently told her to smile, to lighten up a bit, and she did. Her mood instantly improved, and she became more pleasant to everyone she interacted with afterward. It was a small change, but it made a difference. Her smile was a gift in itself, a little act of kindness in response to my own.

Lastly, my neighbour, who always seems to have my back, showed kindness today by taking care of our transportation and sharing her umbrella with me as we headed to work. In that moment, I felt so supported, so grateful to have her in my life.

These are just a few examples of the little acts of kindness that brighten my days. Often, we overlook these moments, dismissing them as nothing more than common courtesy or something we’re entitled to. But the truth is, no one owes us kindness. When it’s given freely, it’s a gift, one that deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Take a moment to reflect on the small acts of kindness you’ve received recently. Maybe it was someone holding the door for you, a stranger giving you a smile, or a friend lending an ear when you needed it most. Share your gratitude for these moments. When we start recognizing and appreciating the kindness around us, we invite more of it into our lives.