Ihad taken this week of relaxing, reflective space to nourish myself prior to the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season. Although it was the perfect getaway, I was having a difficult time unwinding from the chaos and anxieties of home.
I’m normally a very positive and loving person who finds perfection in the simplicity and happiness of children and the beauty of nature and animals, but on this day I was having trouble finding the ability to enjoy the moments all around me. Noise and distractions were making it difficult to find peace and positivity and I was feeling anxious and looking for something or somewhere to go to settle my restlessness.
I recall getting up from my lounge chair to take a walk, and on my way back to that same chair, I was met by a young boy and his mother.
For reasons I can’t explain even now, I stopped and made conversation with them. I believe our conversation started with a simple ‘hello’, but I can’t recall for sure. What I do know, is that the little boy, not more than 4 years old, and I made fast friends.
His speech was a bit delayed, but that didn’t hinder our conversation. He introduced himself quietly, yet proudly, and without hesitation. “Hi, my name’s Ben and this is my mom” he said, as he looked up towards his mom with a loving smile. I crouched down to meet his eye level and introduced myself to them, as we stood in a shaded area out of the direct sun. We talked about how our day was going and what adventures we’d both had so far.
He urged his mom to show me the very large grasshopper that she was holding in her hand. He explained that he’d made it at the beach that morning and he was absolutely glowing with pride. Resort staff had shared their knowledge of crafting palm tree leaves into this lifelike creation.
Slow down and share kindness ~ and also enjoy the kindness of others
He went on immediately to tell me that he had spoken with his grandma on the phone that morning and that her horses had gotten out of their pasture. He was quite animated as he told the story of them bucking and running around as the family rounded them up and fixed fence to get the horses back into their area again, and he seemed relieved that they were all safely back in their place and that, most importantly, his grandma was okay.
The effect that the interaction with Ben had on me was impactful and soul filling… one of the moments people describe as ‘having your cup refilled”. As we talked easily, as old friends often do, I felt a sense of peace and calm filling the spaces where anxiety had previously resided within me.
Our conversation came to a slow close as Ben’s mom reminded him it was time to go for a rest, and as I stood up she shared with me that her son didn’t speak often with people, including friends and family, and for him to speak to a complete stranger was rare. She seemed surprised that he would choose to share the story of his grandmother’s horses, and then she smiled at him and squeezed his hand gently, saying “your Grandma and the horses are pretty important to you though, and it was nice that you told your new friend about them Ben.”
She smiled and thanked me for my kind and gentle conversation with her son, and as I turned to leave, I heard Ben quietly utter my name. I looked back and he moved toward me with his arms outstretched for a hug, which after confirming through eye contact with his mom would be okay, I crouched down and returned that warm hug I was receiving from such a wonderful little soul.
I returned to my chair feeling calm and settled, and with a smile that required no explanation. My restlessness and anxieties were completely erased by human interaction, not planned or expected. I am grateful for moments such as these that remind me to slow down and to look around, as kindness exists everywhere. Sometimes it is you who fills the cups of others, and sometimes it is others who fill yours.
I am blessed and grateful for the opportunity to meet Ben and his mom on that beautiful day. My life has been changed because of that exchange, and I can only hope that theirs was as well. What I do know is that you will do many wonderful things and touch many lives in this world, Ben. Your story is only beginning.
I’m a proud mom, a friend to many, and have a profound belief in human kindness.
My goal to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life includes my love to write about things that resonate with me. My gift to you is sharing my perspective on living a happy life.
xx
