The Lady with her Basket

How was 2020? Mournful? Joyous? Pleasant? Or was it grievous? Looking back, 2020 was a rollercoaster ride for the world. While some families underwent difficult and challenging times, some experienced breakthroughs. Not all stories were the same. Some laughed. Some cried. Some rejoiced, while the other mourned over the death of a beloved. The year 2020 had its own share of experience, unique for each person. Mine was unique to myself too. 

    While there are numerous lessons I can recount of as I reflect on the year 2020, there is, however, but one lesson that was noteworthy to me, and that is, "Being Selfless" or "Being Unselfish" (as some would put it).

    Among many selfless acts I encountered in 2020, one of the most significant was when, one time, during the lockdown, an ill-health lady who lives a few yards away from my house, dropped by to ask the well-being of my family with a basket of fruits in her hands. It was not the food items she brought to us that touched me. Instead, what moved me was the thought that though she was not the richest in the neighbourhood, she gave my family what best could be given, and furthermore, though she, herself, was ill, she thought of my family more important than her health and hence, with much concern, she dropped by to ask our welfare. That to me was selflessness; to put others above ourselves. It may not have been much in the sight of others, but to me, that very act of kindness and unselfishness, which the lady showed towards my family taught me a huge lesson, which I hope and believe I will treasure for the rest of my life. 

    The good deed of hers made me realize that perhaps being selfless is not only about giving the most expensive gift to the other person, nor is it about donating thousands of rupees to the charity, however, selfless acts can be as simple as offering your favourite candy to a child who is crying, or even offering help to the person who is in dire need of assistance. I cannot help but think how different this world would've looked if we, humans, change for the better and become selfless, thus, making the world a wonderful and heavenly place to live in.  

    During the period of dreadful days, like the pandemic, if selfless acts of people can bring out the beauty of life in times of darkness, we sure can make this world a better place to live in through a selfless living. 

To put it simply, selfless acts can truly be the beauty amidst disaster.

May you witness the beauty of being selfless so that you can be a blessing to anyone whom you will encounter this New Year. 

Happy New Year! 

Au revoir, dear reader.