Tag: kindness

Just writing

A Stranger on the Road

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What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

Well… it’s becoming quite rare when a stranger offers some help on the road.

But of course, one should be careful; not every stranger offers help out of kindness.

So, one day, about two years ago, we got onto the train to make a short visit to our new place, the very place where we live now. 

We walked from the station to our B&B, hoping for a bit of rest and a good meal before going out to explore the city.

But less than an hour later, we left the B&B and booked another room in a hotel. 

Why?

Simply, because the first one was terrible.

Tired as we were, we decided to walk because the weather was one of the best spring days.

It wasn’t until a steep hill, a long steep one, stood waiting for us that I decided it was time to call a taxi. 

And what luck… non of us had a signal.

“Let’s have a little rest and walk again until we get a good signal,” my son suggested. 

But there were no benches around, not even bus stops.

Our one and only option was to keep walking.

But then, a yell and a cry rang behind us.

Our feet stopped, and our heads turned back towards the sound.

A lady stood beside a small parked car, waving at us.

She called out, “Can I help you?” 

We turned to one another and decided to cross the road to ask her for a taxi number. 

She was all smiles as we drew near.

After thanking her and briefly explaining our dilemma, she said she wished she had a bigger car to give us a life to the hotel. 

“Thank you, that’s so kind of you,’ I said and asked again if she knew a taxi number.

She did, and then, unexpectedly, she offered to drive me and my daughter to the hotel instead of waiting. “It’s on my way,” she said, smiling.

I was just about to accept the offer but then a dog started barking from inside the car. 

I looked from the dog to the lady, feeling full of embarrassment.

There was no way my daughter or I could sit next to her dog.

We might smile at a small one on the road, say how cute it looks, but getting any closer especially to a big one is impossible.

The lady smiled, fully aware of our hidden terror.

“I’ll wait with you until your taxi comes,” she said.

And then, in the blink of an eye, the taxi arrived.

We hugged, and I thanked her from my heart.

As I waved to her from the taxi window, I felt as if we had met before. 

For a moment, she reminded me of someone I couldn’t quite place.

“She looked like my friend’s mum,” my daughter said, and I nodded with a smile. 

Could you believe that a stranger on the road might be that kind?

Sometimes kindness appears out of nowhere, just to restore your faith in people.

With faith-in-people thoughts,

Nahla

daily prompt

Kindness: The Most Needed Treasure 

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What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

Yes, what can be most needed these days than kindness. 

Kindness softens the hardest hearts and spreads goodness everywhere.

Kindness fills ordinary days with blessings and quiet happiness.

And Kindness always comes in different shapes; a loud gesture, a soft whisper, an extended hand, a pat on shoulder, a warm smile, or a listening ear. 

But kindness has never been weak.

When she stands face to face with animosity, the latter shrinks and burns into ashes.

Life can’t be liveable without kindness.

The whole world needs her today more than any other time.

Trees, oceans, birds, animals and every creature on this earth needs kindness just as much as we humans do.

Be the first to show some kindness every day.

Nothing big or fancy, even a sincere prayer can do.

People say kindness returns in abundance.

And now, don’t you agree that kindness is the most needed treasure in our world today.

With most -needed – kindness thoughts,

Nahla

Philosophical musings

What Does the Fish Want to Say?

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“If the fish comes out of water to tell you the crocodile is ill, believe it.”

I came across this sentence while I was scrolling through instagram. 

Is it a puzzle? I wondered, and decided that the only way to find out was to see how writing might solve it. 

But first: have you ever come across this one before? 

I’m just curious about its origin.

So, let’s set the scene first.

An old wise man was walking along the riverbank just after dusk. (Now, don’t ask me why an old man. I really don’t know, it just came that way into my head. Besides it sounds better than “an old woman” in the context of a quiet, dark background. And don’t ask why wise. Actually … I can see your point. Not every old men behave wisely. But, at lease let’s make them wise in stories. Now not more interruption, please.) 

Once upon a time, an old wise man was walking along the riverbank just after dusk, as the last reddish ray of the flaming sun sank deep behind the big, dark mountains. He was having his usual evening walk by the river. Whether it was cold or warm, rainy or dry, busy or quiet, he never missed this routine unless something serious held him back. 

On every evening walk, the old man had a plan—a simple plan to make a kind deed.

Sometimes he gave a stray cat some food,

sometimes he picked up litter and dropped it in bins,

sometimes he helped a mother get her baby’s pram onto the bus,

sometimes he sat back on a bench and patted another old man on the back as he listened to his heartbreaking story,

and sometimes he tried other gestures of kindness.

Until the day he took his evening walk by the riverbank, when it was extra quiet. The only thing he glimpsed that evening was a faraway, shiny golden fish bouncing on the beach. 

The fish was the size of a medium salmon. He glanced right and left, wondering whether anyone might run and catch her for their dinner, but there wasn’t a soul around.

He rushed towards the fish, not to make her his dinner, but to push her back into the water so she might live. When he was about a metre away, she made one great bounce into the air, and spoke in a human voice: “The crocodile is ill.” As she landed on the damp beach, a high tide crept forward and swallowed her back into the deep river.

The old wise man stared into the deep river under the dark sky, wondering whether he was dreaming. After a few long moments of silence, he turned and walked back towards the road.

“Even if it was all a hallucination… what does ‘the crocodile is ill’ mean?” He wondered, and sat on the nearest wooden bench.

“If the crocodile is ill, perhaps it means the world is finally safe. People can go out and about with no fear, no threats, no weapons. Perhaps, now they can swim into the river and get rid of it. Then, life will be safe, fishing will be abundant, and people will be free. 

“Or… if the crocodile is ill, it may be a warning of danger, awful danger. The river is no longer pure, no longer clean, no longer suitable for life. Not because of the crocodile but because of the river itself. Its water may be polluted, and the land no longer fit for living.” 

A moment later, a young man drew near him and gently whispered, “Aren’t we blessed to have this beautiful river…. Tomorrow we’re going fishing.”

The old wise man smiled. He had found the answer.

But… do you think which one was it?

With hope and peace,

 Nahla

daily prompt

kindness and Blogging

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Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.


Honestly, the first thing that crossed my mind was Me blogging —in other words, how to be kind to myself as a blogger.

Need more explanation?

I’m like many other bloggers— I love using my voice in writing. I enjoy sharing my thoughts in my own style, and I like taking my time. So, whenever I feel disappointed or lazy or even stubborn about blogging, I try to be kind to myself.

Want to know how?

I pause— sometimes for hours, sometimes for days. During that short or long break, I gently remind myself that I write because I love it. My posts are just like little mental treasures I’ve discovered the day I started my WordPress journey.

And finally, usually with a smile, I say: if I don’t regret any of my writing, if I haven’t offended anyone, and if I’m not chasing anything but the joy of showing my talent—then why stop. That’s when I feel it’s time to fasten my seatbelt and take off—I’m on a writing mission again.

Perhaps it seems odd not to care too much about likes, shares, or subscribers. But that’s another way I practice to be kind to myself. It’s not that I don’t want my posts to be liked or shared — or gain more scubsribers. Is there any blogger who wouldn’t like that? Of course not.

It’s just me thinking that likes and shares would add more pressure. It’s like inviting people over and waiting for them to show up, wondering what if they don’t. So, I prefer to let readers knock, visit, or explore freely — no pressure, no high expectations. And, please don’t be offended if you feel differently because things depend on personal style and preference.

Just remember to be kind to yourself too, and if you love blogging— don’t stop.


With hope and peace,

Nahla







personal thoughts

A Debt You Don’t Owe

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That’s worrying, and it’s awful. 

As usual, I came across this quote while scrolling through Instagram. And, as always, it reminded me of what had been my strongest enemy over the years:  my worries.

If you’re hoping this post will offer any tips on how or why to overcome your worries, then I am sorry, so sorry. All I can offer are kind words and prayers. Something like; ‘Don’t think about it too much,’ ‘I hope everything will be alright,’ or ‘Don’t forget to hand your worries to God.’ The same simple phrases I use to soothe myself or others when worries strick.

This method might seem useless to some, but to me, it’s the best. Imagine, you’re worried about … say your job as some of your colleagues get fired. So far, you seem to be in the safe zone, but without safe mind for your worries are eating it bit by bit. You pour out your worries to me, and I say: ‘Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.’ Would that really ease your mind? Or would that remind you of your actual debts and make you feel like throwing yourself out of the window?

Everyone has their own worries. It seems that even though life is becoming easier, it’s also becoming harder. There’s nothing quite like finding a good listener, someone to hear your worries, and reassure you with kind advice or heartfelt prayers. But, in most cases, people are busy, and overwhelmed with their own worries. They don’t want to listen, but to talk and nonstop.

Over the years, I’ve learned that most of the things we worry about don’t actually happen. Yet, they stay there inside our heads for a while, tightening each and every muscle, piling pressure on the skull, and causing the most awful type of headache: the tension headache. And you know what? No medication, no scientific tips, no meditation, nothing can relieve this headache like your own determination to overcome your worries.

I mentioned earlier that my worries had been my strongest enemy. They were, but not anymore. Raising a family is no easy task. Raising a family in a foreign land is ever harder. And raising a family with no family or friends around is the hardest of all. You can imagine why worries find it easy to pay me a visit every now and then. But those worries taught me to think differently and grow stronger, and, most importantly to hope for the best, and never lose my faith.

With hope and peace,

Nahla










personal thoughts

They Don’t Cost Much

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There are things that cost little but can brighten your day, draw a genuine smile on your face, and take you by beautiful surprise.

These things surround us in abundance, waiting just for us to notice and enjoy. Can you think of any? Please do.

Isn’t it interesting how these little things that make your day can be as much given as received? What could be better than kind words spoken fully and sincerely, without abbreviations? They are simple, free, and abundant.

Everyday greetings, wishes, and casual compliments are among the simplest you can offer to make someone’s day. “Thank you”, “Good morning”, “Have a good day” – all are free of charge, yet full of beautiful meaning.

Have you ever thought that there is a higher level of kind words, those that can fill your heart with peace and delight? These are blessings.

I once read that the word  “Hello” doesn’t exist in the Gaelic culture. Instead, blessings were used during their daily encounters. Isn’t this beautiful? This is so similar to my Arabic culture, where blessings are plentiful in our greetings.

May peace be with you.
May God be with you.
May God guide your path.
Be in God’s care and assistance.

There are loads of blessings, and do you know what, goodness in my form – be in words, deeds, or feelings – always returns to the one who gives it.

So, why give less when you can give more? After all, you will receive your great share of happiness. That’s God’s promise for both the giver and the receiver.

With hope and peace,

Nahla






daily prompt

Robots

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What makes a good neighbor?

Of course I’m joking, but that’s the trend on social media: Roberts at your service sir/Madame.

Has it ever come to you that one day your neighbour might be a robot? A perfect version of neighbour! A machine programmed to greet you everyday with cheerful voice, knock on your door if it doesn’t see you one day,  lend a hand with your children and chores, share a meal with you, congratulate you on good news and support you in bad times. A robot neighbour would do that all and more. All at your service!  Isn’t that incredible?

But we are humans, and a robot is not a human, can’t be one. What will we enjoy or learn from this perfect version of a neighbour? How are we going to change or understand others if they look the same, talk the same, and behave the same?

A good neighbour is a kind neighbour. We might be totally different to each other, but kind enough to smile at each other whenever our paths cross. Or, kind enough to share our numbers in case we need help or send messages every now and then to make sure each one of us is still there.

With all the best wishes,

Nahla

daily prompt

The unexpected

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Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

Nowadays, and perhaps even years ago, it’s become hard, no, rare, to find someone who offers you something without expecting something in return. Believe me, that happens even with the simplest things.

One day, one of my husband’s friends invited us for dinner. We had a good time and enjoyed the nice food. The next day, I met one of my friends and we babbled about a few things, including the nice dinner my family and I had enjoyed the day before. Although I had already noticed the change and tense in my friend’s face once she stepped into my house, her face reddened and her eyes bulged behind her glasses after she heard about the dinner invitation.

Perhaps, she was wishing to be invited as well so we all could have a good time. But, perhaps the man couldn’t because, as a matter of fact, his flat was so small that he could only accomodate one family at a time. And, perhaps he did that on purpose. I was pondering the possibilities when all of a sudden she said, ‘he should have returned what he owed us first.’ So, that was it; I invite you, so you have to invite me and before anyone else.

Kindness and good deeds have become a debt that,unfortunately, are not given by a benevolent but by an ursher who wants to use you by all means. But, pure goodness and kindness exist and will always be there even if their proponents are becoming fewer and fewer.

One day, my family and I went on holiday. The hotel we booked was way too far from where we were exploring the city. The only taxi we could reach would be available within forty five minutes. ‘Why not walking instead of waiting,’ we decided and headed up a steep hill dragging our shopping bags. The road narrowed and we had to walk in a line. Then, all of a sudden, a lady called after us from  the opposite side of the road. We stopped and turned to look at her. She was the only person on the road, and there was nothing but the cars racing along the road.

There, she cried out asking whether we need a lift. We looked at each other and felt we were saved as it started raining. A godsent, I  whispered as we crossed the road to join her. Although her car was a small one that wouldn’t fit all of us, she offered to take us in turns. That would be too burdensome for her, we believed and asked her for a taxi number instead. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart, and I couldn’t help but embrace her.

We don’t encounter such pure and unexpected kindness every day, do we?

With all the best wishes,

Nahla