Blog - November 8, 2021

Day 8: The November Happiness Challenge 2021

I recently saw a tweet by my housemate, it was about how generosity isn’t just about being rich. Yes, riches help you to be more generous, but if you aren’t that person, generosity won’t come easily to you.

I make it a habit to be generous to people who are obviously striving and trying to survive. You’d see me telling pure water sellers to keep the change, or dashing the wheelbarrow pusher extra money, and so on. It gives me a level of satisfaction that I’ve been able to add my own contribution in one way or the other. Because the money might not be so much to me, but it is meaningful to them and that’s very important. 

Charity to me, isn’t just about money and what it buys. There are many ways you can be charitable and kindness is a huge part. Because if you aren’t mind, how would you even think of being generous? Smiling at people, speaking good words and supporting these words with actions are all forms of charity and I’m enjoining us to make them a habit. 

I remember one time that I met a stranger at the store in my estate. I needed to buy chocolates for my baby, and I had no cash so I went with my card so as to use their POS or make a withdrawal. On getting there, their machine wasn’t working and the attendant said there was nothing he could do. There I was, with a baby who was already eager to eat her chocolates and no money. I was so heartbroken and I just persuaded her to let us leave the store and come back later when I had been able to make a withdrawal. A young man who was around had seen the exchange, so he came to me and asked what we wanted to get. I told him and then he said we should go ahead and get it, because he would be paying. 

I was so happy about this. It wasn’t just about the amount of money he was paying but the gesture itself. My baby was overjoyed that we’d eventually get her chocolates and I’m sure her soul prayed for the man even if she couldn’t express herself. I thanked him profusely and he kept saying it wasn’t a big deal. This was a top moment of kindness because really? He could have ignored us even if he had the money to pay. 

You see how your seemingly little acts of generosity can go a long way in bringing smiles to people around you? Let’s vibe with that. 

Today, we will be giving out something as a form of charity. It could be you feeding your company’s janitor, or giving some cash to someone down the road who begs, or leaving some change with someone who does petty business. No amount is too small, so please , just do it. 

It’s Monday, so view this colourful picture of my mini and I, and have a beautiful week.

I’ll be back. OBA