Everyone has experienced brief interactions with complete strangers in their lifetime, whether it be through forced proximity (such as being stuck in an elevator), a passing joke, or a common interest. And while others may mark these occasions as insignificant, I believe that these fleeting connections are what makes humankind special.
For instance, last summer, I was on a hike with my family when I heard ridiculous singing echoing on the walls of a tunnel. Seconds later, a man walked out laughing before turning to ‘warn’ me, “Be careful, there’s a bunch of feral animals in the tunnel.” His smile was contagious and without missing a beat, I grinned and responded with, “I believe you.” He laughed harder and repeated my response under his breath in amusement as we passed each other. As we arrived back to the parking lot, I was still smiling.
Though the exchange was an admittedly poor attempt at a joke and barely lasted 30 seconds, I feel it defines the uniqueness in humanity. When the world is struggling through a deadly virus and countless other dilemmas, humans still have the capability to laugh and connect with others. Every time I think back to that experience, I can’t help but smile to myself.
I value the countless discoveries humankind has made, for the world wouldn’t be the same without them. However, I value a human’s kindness and empathy more. Because it doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, what your gender is, your age, or ethnicity, or education level, you can still spread laughter and kindness in your everyday life.
Nonetheless, as an increasing percentage of our days are being spent online, these instances may become more unlikely. Therefore, while social media may be seen as “toxic” and “a waste of time,” it can also be the perfect place to broadcast our achievements, bond over common interests, and connect with others.
For example, being an artist who occasionally posts their work online, I understand the frustration of getting little to no interactions. So, when I discovered hundreds of underrated artists with amazing artwork through an ‘Artist Support’ post, I made it my personal goal to like and comment on as many as possible. The reactions were immediate and I received many heartwarming replies in the span of minutes. Sure, it wasn’t life-changing, but hopefully it made a bunch of random people smile.
These small efforts require no energy, talent, or skill. Therefore, I hope everyone takes a second to consider what they can do in their daily lives, whether it is lending a helping hand to strangers, giving someone a compliment, or doing community work. Whatever it may be, knowing that your contributions have made an impact won’t fail to put a pep into your step and a contagious smile on your face.
For instance, last summer, I was on a hike with my family when I heard ridiculous singing echoing on the walls of a tunnel. Seconds later, a man walked out laughing before turning to ‘warn’ me, “Be careful, there’s a bunch of feral animals in the tunnel.” His smile was contagious and without missing a beat, I grinned and responded with, “I believe you.” He laughed harder and repeated my response under his breath in amusement as we passed each other. As we arrived back to the parking lot, I was still smiling.
Though the exchange was an admittedly poor attempt at a joke and barely lasted 30 seconds, I feel it defines the uniqueness in humanity. When the world is struggling through a deadly virus and countless other dilemmas, humans still have the capability to laugh and connect with others. Every time I think back to that experience, I can’t help but smile to myself.
I value the countless discoveries humankind has made, for the world wouldn’t be the same without them. However, I value a human’s kindness and empathy more. Because it doesn’t matter what situation you’re in, what your gender is, your age, or ethnicity, or education level, you can still spread laughter and kindness in your everyday life.
Nonetheless, as an increasing percentage of our days are being spent online, these instances may become more unlikely. Therefore, while social media may be seen as “toxic” and “a waste of time,” it can also be the perfect place to broadcast our achievements, bond over common interests, and connect with others.
For example, being an artist who occasionally posts their work online, I understand the frustration of getting little to no interactions. So, when I discovered hundreds of underrated artists with amazing artwork through an ‘Artist Support’ post, I made it my personal goal to like and comment on as many as possible. The reactions were immediate and I received many heartwarming replies in the span of minutes. Sure, it wasn’t life-changing, but hopefully it made a bunch of random people smile.
These small efforts require no energy, talent, or skill. Therefore, I hope everyone takes a second to consider what they can do in their daily lives, whether it is lending a helping hand to strangers, giving someone a compliment, or doing community work. Whatever it may be, knowing that your contributions have made an impact won’t fail to put a pep into your step and a contagious smile on your face.
