Throughout my childhood, I was a happy kid. Growing up with two parents, who struggled throughout their childhood, I was constantly surrounded by love and ease from both parents. I was supported both mentally and financially. I was encouraged every day to pursue my dreams. No obstacle was too large or out of reach. To say I was "sheltered" was an understatement. I grew up happy and was always smiling.
As sad or great as it is, my junior year in high school, I was a little more exposed to the world. Of course, I knew of poverty and pain, but I had never seen it so closely. Growing up with parents who weren't as fortunate, I was encouraged to help those less fortunate than I, as I got older in age. For this reason, I joined the peer leadership team in high school and started to volunteer at the local soup kitchen once a month.
My first day there was quite an experience. It was painful to watch others who had been suffering. There were endless amounts of people, all tired and hungry. I tried to remain positive and be myself. I smiled at others and talked to everyone there as if they were old friends.
An hour into my time at the local soup kitchen, a gentleman came up to me. He thanked me for smiling. He said it wasn't often people were so nice to him. I remember thinking "what a silly thing, thanking me for smiling?" Everyone should smile. However, I didn't realize that while I had impacted him, he had tremendously impacted me. Every now and then, I think about that day and how grateful he was.
It wasn't until last weekend, I had thought of this moment again. The previous week, I had a not so great week. I felt plagued by anxiety and depression. I did everything from go out with friends, to watch movies, to yoga. Nothing seemed to work. Then I got a business phone call to clear up a misunderstanding. The person on the other end of the line was acting with such extreme kindness and sincerity. His kindness was contagious and as a result, I responded with the same kindness. The caller laughed as we made jokes, thanked me for being so sweet and told me, I had made him smile. It was very strange but those words had changed my entire mindset. I was no longer sad and feeling depressed. I felt happy and positive. I wanted to continue to be kind to others and give back.
This past weekend reminded me of the time at the soup kitchen. Recalling this memory, something occurred to me. No matter who a person is and what their story is, a smile can impact them greatly. We never know what someone is going through, but one act of kindness can make a world of a difference. In addition, when we help others, we help ourselves. We give love, we get love and we spread love. Kindness is contagious. It is often said that when you touch a life, you touch every one else who comes in contact with that life. I couldn't agree more. So whenever you're feeling lost, confused or just feel like being kind, remember the impact of the smile. It will change your life and someone else's too.