Every single day you pass by a colossal amount of people; all dealing with issues, getting rewarded because of a goal met, going through things with unmeasurable pain, and most of the time they don't show it. I tend to observe the people I cross paths with at one time or another, and I've taken note about these particular meetings because of the significance they left on me.
A lot of times you really don't stop and think about what the person sitting next to you on the bus is thinking; where they're from; how they got to this exact moment, or you might not even be thinking about them at all. I've come across people who genuinely care about helping others. Whether it's with a flat tire, holding the door open for you, or simply giving you a smile when you pass by. I've also met many others that are usually too busy looking at their phones to acknowledge that they're walking straight into me - and they don't even apologize.
A few days ago I left my camera- one that would've been stolen if it weren't for this sweet girl- in a restaurant without realizing it.
About an hour after leaving it I went to grab my camera and it was gone. I was panicking and trying to think of all the places I visited after leaving then I went back to the restaurant to find it placed next to the girl in a safe spot. I was relieved of this kind gesture and in awe that she waited for me. I couldn't find words to express my gratitude towards this complete stranger who did a good deed.
While I've had many encounters with warm people, I've also had my fair share of ones who weren't so caring. You kind of think that really anywhere you go the person in front of you will hold the door for you, that's not always the case, or some will bump into you and they'll grunt like it was a life ending accident or completely your fault. I will never understand their way of thinking, but it clear to see now that not everyone will act the way you want them to or the way they should.
There's typically a reason for a stranger to treat you so kindly or impolitely. Maybe they're rushed and trying to move as fast a they can without caring who they run into. Maybe they've been in your shoes before and just want to help you the way they wanted help. There's sometimes not even an explanation for the way they act, but you were ultimately supposed to meet them, whether or not the experience you had was good or bad. A simple act of kindness goes a long way.
"Smile at strangers and you just might change a life." -Steve Maraboli
