The past month I have been travelling in America, visiting family members and friends. But also during the journey I explored New Orleans. It was the first time me or my mother went to New Orleans, and we wanted to experience Halloween there together. Viola! We did.
It’s definitely a city of contradictions, and I think I will need some time process the experience there. The resilience, mixed with poverty, history, tragedy, joy, celebration, and traditions. There’s a lot to unpack in this one city.
But one thing I found fascinating was the kindness I experienced there. Regardless if the person we were interacting with was a taxi driver, store shop attendant, tour guide, waiter, or an African drum circle drummer- there was pure kindness. Nobody asked you about your profession. Some people opened up with ease and told their life stories. After doing so, they encouraged us to experience the best their city had to offer. I appreciated that. I gave out many of these Puzo Bella kindness cards, perhaps you received one (if you are reading this). I wanted to return any kind of warmth and gratitude back to them.
I couldn’t help but wonder, what if our perspective of purpose was all wrong. What if our purpose here on Earth was to simply be kind to others? This is all. It impacts others’ lives, it’s positively contagious, and others’ lives are momentarily lifted. Life doesn’t have to be so complicated with the questions of “what should I do with my life?” or “how can I leave my mark on the world?” It could be as simple as how can I express kindness today? Perhaps that is enough.
I hope this moment of clarity stays with me in this next phase of life. As I explore the next phase ahead of me and contemplate on what my purpose is and how it is directed, can I remind myself my purpose today can equate with kindness? It could be words of encouragement to a friend or family member. A smile to a stranger. Or a momentary conversation with an acquaintance, where your entire presence is made available. Kindness is priceless. It can be enough.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” —Mother Teresa.
It Only Takes A Smile 