Week 280: Beyond Ourselves.

As humans, we often find ourselves caught up in our daily routines, fighting our own battles, and trying to keep up with the fast-paced world around us. Amid all of this, we still strive to make time for the people who matter in our lives—to be their "angel without wings" and help them on difficult days. Life is already hard, so why make it harder for others?

Be a wise person in a world where people often remember you only when they are in dire need of your help.

Helping others in their time of need is a noble thing to do. However, it's important to consider the cost of neglecting your own responsibilities or putting things on hold just to assist someone else. People can be quick to forget acts of kindness and sacrifice, yet they tend to remember the one time you say NO. Our memories are often wired to hold on to negative experiences, tragic incidents, and unpleasant moments more than those that make a positive impact. Therefore, extend a helping hand when the cost to pay is affordable.

Helping Others: A One-Time Among Many

One summer holiday, I was juggling several tasks and responsibilities when I received a call from my sister-in-law asking for my assistance. My little cousin, her daughter, needed a chaperone to take her home after an entrance exam for Junior High School. I understood that she had a lot on her plate with her store and couldn't manage everything at once. I hesitated for a moment because I had deadlines to meet, but then I realized my sister-in-law had no better option, so I gave in to help.

I quickly dressed and rushed out after she told me she would finish her paperwork soon. When I arrived at the school, I saw several other parents and guardians waiting at the reception area for their wards.I greeted them and took a seat on a vacant chair near the entrance.

After an hour of waiting without any sign of my cousin, curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to know what could be causing the delay. I approached one of the exam officials, who informed me, "They can't leave the examination hall until the scheduled finish time." This news didn’t ease my anxiety, if anything, it heightened my restlessness, and I knew I had to continue waiting.

Another hour passed when suddenly, I heard loud chatter and footsteps. "Finally, they've been released!" I thought to myself. As the students descended the stairs, I spotted my cousin among the other schoolers whose faces were beaming with anticipation for their future as Junior High students. I called out to her and congratulated her in advance on her exam’s success and captured the moment with a picture.

Helping someone in need is not solely about providing physical assistance, it’s also about being present and offering emotional support. In a world that often focuses on individuality, meeting deadlines and completing daily tasks, it’s easy to become consumed by our own pursuits. However, experiences like the one I had serve as a reminder that true fulfillment comes when we press the long pause button and take some breaks off tending to ourselves and truly care for others.

The Picture is mine.