I am someone who loves to help people, but sometimes I am constrained by fear, lack, selfishness, or my instincts.
Apart from this, I had the wrong impression that before one can put a smile on the face of another individual, the person must possess enough, or rather do something extremely big, but someone did something that completely transformed me.
First, it was about giving. Before I give something out, I must make sure I want to risk it, which is understandable, but it's bad when I hold things back even when I see someone in a critical condition simply because I didn't feel like it; but it all changed.
I was helping my mother at her Point of Sale (POS) shop sometime this year, and something transpired.
We normally charge from 500 naira to 1000 naira at the cost of 50 naira, and people like it; in fact, even people who are doing well.
One bike man came for withdrawal one of those days, and he asked how much for 1000 naira, and I told him 50 naira.
The man transferred 1100. I was like Sir, I don't have change to give you, o.” He smiled and said, “I didn't send it for you to give me change; give me the 1000.”
I was surprised. “Why?’ I asked, out of curiosity. He replied, “I am also a hustler; others put smiles on my face by leaving change for me when I carry them. Why won't I put a smile on another person's face when I get the opportunity?”
Wow! It hit me right at the best spot. Throughout that day, I was just stuck on that very thing the man did.
Yes, the money wasn't much, but for someone like him, who is also trying to survive, to have the desire to put a smile on the faces of those hustling like him is something I can not explain.
After that experience, I resolved in my heart to also be the reason why others smile. No matter how little I have, when I go to purchase something from the hands of someone struggling, I ensure I give them extra unless I don't have it.
I feel like it's the best way I can say, “You are doing well, regardless of how tough life is; you decided to step outside and find something to do rather than to beg or steal.”
I thought I was a good person, but when I met that bike man, I saw how weak I am. Truly, life is a school; we learn every day.
I won't lie, I am grateful for the lesson, and my aim is not to get people's attention or create a good name for myself but to simply make someone happy.
Those doing business will understand this better; even if it's just 5 naira that someone gives you for free after purchasing a product from you, there is this special kind of feeling it sparks.
Imagine giving people such feelings in these trying times when things are difficult, and people are struggling with pain and depression; I am sure it will go a long way to make them feel loved.
But I must correct something: don't do more than you can. If you don't have what it takes, pay the exact amount and leave; don't make others happy and get yourself hurt in the process.
N.b: All Images Were Generated Using Gemini AI
