The world’s as good or as bad as we think it is. And a hell of a lot happier if we see the good side of it.
Are people trustworthy? If you say yes, you are an optimist. If you say no, you are a pessimist. It’s your outlook.
Our relationship with family, friends, colleagues and strangers is based on a sense of trust. Trust that when you ask for help, by and large people will help you. Trust that when you help them, they will by and large appreciate it.
I once gave a few thousand rupees to an acquaintance in need. I forgot the amount – I didn’t expect her to be able to pay me back.
She kept telling me that she would return it when she had some money on hand – that she hadn’t forgotten it. And one day – about 5 years after the incident, she came all the way to my house and insisted that I take the money back.
After a complicated house sale, part of which she invested in a smaller house, she had started paying off all her debts – mine included. By now her husband had suffered a paralytic attack and passed away over a year ago. And she wasn’t left with much after all the debts were paid. Yet, she insisted.
I wasn’t wrong in taking the money back. But I wished I didn’t have to.
The lady left me with so much warmth. Full of gratitude she was for my small help when she was in need she said. I didn’t need to hear her gratitude – but it showed me the other side of ego and pride – where we accept help with humility.
With a few thousand rupees at stake, it was an invaluable experience that continues my trust in the goodness of humans.
Set aside some money, some help, some time of yours and do something for others when they need it.
Don’t expect a return.
If in 1 case out of 10, your help is acknowledged and returned, it adds a wealth of trust in us. It lightens our hearts.
A lot of times, even the way our help is accepted teaches us a lesson in acceptance and gratitude.
Poetry in Life 