Fresh out of high school, I was driving my shiny new Corolla on the freeway when a car passed by with a seemingly friendly honk.
Unsure as to its exact intent, I glanced over at the driver, who saluted me, while his passenger, likely his wife, leaned over and waved. I’d never seen them before, and as far as I know, haven’t met them since.
That split-second encounter sustained me for days. I was struggling with a not-yet diagnosed mental disorder and falling into deep despair on a routine basis. My parents, now in the middle of their divorce and focused on their own lives, were distant and angry when I turned to them for encouragement. I had little in common with my siblings, and we weren’t much of a support system for each other.
So for strangers to reach out to me in that small way, for whatever unknown reason, meant a lot. What made it even more meaningful was the weary look on both faces of this couple, who had two curly-haired children asleep in car seats and luggage piled high in the back of their small out-of-state station wagon. As young as I was, I knew enough to feel for them, and to appreciate a friendly gesture made despite their own obvious fatigue.
I said a quick prayer for those people who would always be strangers to me, and over the years since, when they’ve come to mind, I’ve done the same again.
I trust their small yet meaningful act of kindness has come back to them at times they needed it most. Who knows what road life has taken them on; mine certainly went nowhere near the path I anticipated.
A gracious word, a flagging but compassionate nod, an unexpected and sincere grin. Never doubt it: little things mean a lot, and your smile can light a dark path.
Image Credits: (outline of car) © GraphicStock.com; (smiling/frowning faces) © Stuart Miles — DollarPhotoClub.com
Aww! This is so lovely Belinda 😊
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Thank you 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂
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It is so true. Little things mean a lot.
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It is amazing how far a small gesture can go.
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It’s amazing how lovely little things matter and go a long way. Sometimes we forget even to smile to/at ourselves, let alone to one another. It’s also incredible how we can form a connection with strangers, how they can make us feel better, albeit for a little while. Thanks for the reminder, Belinda.
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Thank you for your comment. 🙂
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A smile can go a long way
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A lot further than we sometimes realize. It’s nice to know.
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🙂 I hope everyone has experienced this at least once. Because once they do, they’ll keep passing it on. A beautiful domino effect of kindness and smiles ♥
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So very true. It’s such a simple thing to do, yet it carries such power. 🙂
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It just shows how a small gesture can mean so much, thanks for sharing this Belinda!
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Glad to do it. I didn’t say this in my post, but I hope I’ve helped someone in a similar way. We just never know how something perhaps insignificant to us can be so meaningful to others!
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yes it is so true! just someone taking the time to smile really can help!
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a smile or wave can really cheer someone’s day. 🙂
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It just goes to show – you never know how your actions may resonate.
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Great graphic, by the way.
Great graphic, by the way.
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Thank you!
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It is amazing, and I think a wonderful thing.
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Small gestures can make a significant impact. I try to be aware of those around me so that I can acknowledge them by speaking, smiling or helping if needed. Those encounters matter.
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They really do, and I think they come back to you. There’s a lot of “what goes around, comes around” thinking that I’m not confident of — I don’t think it’s always that clear cut — but I think reaching out to people, even in simple ways, will come back to you.
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I agree! At office, we get free pens and small notebooks. So, the last day I had gone to get a notebook for myself. The person who is charge of giving all those smiled nicely and said, “Madam, do you need a pen too?” I did not need one, but the fact that he cared made me feel happy for a long time afterwards.
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I know! I was talking to a customer service rep for the phone company once, and at the end he said, “have a nice weekend,” and I said, “you too!” He seemed really surprised and pleased and said, “thank you!” I thought, how many people does he say this to every day who don’t say those simple words in return?
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Yes! Exactly.
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Looking for some inspiration bedtime read before I end my day and I’m glad I stumbled upon this treasure! Thank you for such a well written piece.
Just want to tell you I enjoyed it very much.
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Thank you Kally! I appreciate that.
I had a chance to see your site as well and I’m impressed by all of your hard work. Very nice!
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You’re most welcome! Don’t be shy, come and drop in MiddleMe to say hi. 😊
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I agree that small acts of kindness–could just be a smile–mean so much.
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It’s a power I don’t think we always recognize we have.
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