Deep Thoughts: Let The Goodness Flow

I have always thought that my public transport escapades would be saved for my grandchildren but as I unfold this tale you would see why I couldn’t wait that long.

Forgetting the promise I made to myself not to stand in a BRT bus again after an episode of long traffic, my frugal instinct overrode the memory of the promise and I found myself standing and praying that there would be no traffic this time. Well compared to last time the traffic wasn’t so bad thank God but still I was brooding throughout regretting why I was so frugal, telling myself time is as precious as a few savings and worse of all I was mourning my lack of luck where I am never fast enough to get a seat once someone highlighted from the bus.

Occasionally I would distract myself with the yapping of the happy children around me nesting in their mother’s laps. Oh! Wouldn’t I want to be in their position right now?

We finally escaped traffic and the bus stopped suddenly. Then the driver started directing us to enter the next bus for those going in my direction. Happy me. Here is an opportunity to get a seat. I quickly rushed forward, I couldn’t wait for those coming down from the new bus and I struggled with them to gain entrance. All the while an old lady was chiding me for being impatient. I ignored her and barely caught the last available seat.

Sweet triumphant pleasure flushed through me as I eyed the old lady come in later with no seat available. Then just as I took my eyes away and looked back, I saw her seat and thanking a young girl who had stood up for her. Wow! I should have done that instead of gloating, I thought to myself. I was strangely pleased with this girl and was excited for her because I understood the flow of goodness coming her way from that small act. I love seeing good and when I see it in the least likely place, it’s more amazing to behold.

As I was busy recording this event in a mental compartment for future use someday, a lady struggled into the bus with two little children and a big bag. I didn’t waste time thinking and promptly gave up my seat. The rush of goody pleasure as she said thank you sent me flying through the rest of the trip. The journey became really short I tell you.

Here was why I felt so good, one I got reminded about what I had been teaching my kids all year about the essence of doing good. The blessings that come with it right down to an angel taking away a pebble that could make you stumble and fall because you said good morning to someone or smiled at someone. And then there is also the recipient paying it forward hence adding to making the world a better place. Being reminded increased goodness for me for this Christmas. I definitely want a truckload of goodness for the next year.

Secondly and most important was what I learned. An act of goodness inspires others around you to do good. That girl without knowing had inspired me to do good and noticing the reaction of those around me when I gave up my seat, I knew I had also inspired someone too. Doing good doesn’t just pay you back or make only the recipient do good by paying it forward but it also inspires others to do good.

I bet you want to be an inspiration to those around you. Now you have found a simple and easy way to be. Do good and let the goodness flow.

P.S.
Sumimasen! I sincerely apologize for the late post. Had a few internet hiccups. It shouldn’t happen again.

Jaa mata!