Dare To Share

Have we ever tried to take a pause and think – ‘why have we been blessed with this beautiful gift called Life'? ‘What are we doing with it?’ ‘Is the life that we are leading of any use to others?’ It took me a while to realize that nothing in this world would mean anything if we do not have a life of use to others. The essence of happiness lies in sharing. And by sharing, I am not referring to sharing of material possessions, but something that could never be returned. A ‘smile’ that could make someone’s day; a patient ‘ear’, that makes one feel valued; warmth of a ‘hug’, that does nothing but heals. We often underestimate the power of a soothing touch, a true compliment, responding to a message, a compassionate smile, gratitude and other deeds that makes one feel ‘acknowledged’ and ‘appreciated’. In the heat of the moment it is easy to fight fire to fire. However, it takes courage to look beyond the differences and share a kind word.

Be that of time, words, vibe, and knowledge – ‘sharing’ heals people in miraculous ways. Its tender effect can calm a soul in chaos, mend people by nourishing their spirit and give them a reason to be kind to others. It is astonishing that as humans what we long for is something as simple as ‘acknowledgement’. I once read somewhere – ‘when people are acknowledged as they are, they grow’. It will help them harness their potential to the fullest. The key is to share your time with people and listen. At times when we are met with overwhelming challenges that knock us off our feet, a kind word could give us the courage to stand up, show up and never give up on life.

I can recall that when I started working, all I was concerned about was my own experiences and pain. I had been the same for almost six years – in chaos. It was only when I began to travel, look and live beyond my home, did I understand that mere sharing a calming vibe can bring someone to peace.  As I read the stories of survivors of war, natural calamities, people in pain – not just physical but emotional too, I learnt what life is like for most people in this world. I have never understood that why some people are born as fortunate as I have been. What shakes me, even today, is the thought that across the world there is a woman, just like me. With same abilities, desires, same work ethics. She writes better and probably is far more deserving than I am. The only difference is that she sits in a refugee camp and has no voice. She is concerned only about her children, their well being, and all she thinks about is that will she ever be able to return home safe. This made me understand that how fortunate I am to have food to eat, a roof over my head, joy of my family being safe and healthy. This not only made me grateful for everything that I have been blessed with, but I was determined to make lives of people around me better by sharing whatever I am bestowed with.

By sharing, we can ensure ‘absolute happiness’, not just for others but for ourselves too. When we share Knowledge and answer questions, no matter how trivial they appear to be – It embodies people with courage and hope. It is vital to understand that for someone, asking could be the first step towards learning something that we are already aware of. Our kindness is our legacy. It is only when we are aware of the impact that our practice of sharing would have, we will be able to share more freely, more wisely.