More Than Money- LOH #278

I remember some months ago when I stepped into the market to get foodstuff. I was already overwhelmed with lots of happenings in my home and the many life challenges that came at the same time, and I didn't know which one to face and leave the other. Yet, my family must eat; it's a basic need, but I won't deny that my mind was calculating too many things at the moment in the market.

The list of things we needed at home was so long, but the money at hand was little. Then for each item I priced, the cost was just unbelievable. I got to a man who was selling tomatoes, and when I priced the cost of a rubber of fresh tomatoes, the man replied, and I weakly sighed. The tomato seller looked at my disappointed face and said, "Don't worry, madam, I understand, but I want to assure you is that, all will be fine; you don't need to overthink. Instead, just take a small portion for today."

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His words of kindness were such a big relief. Yes, he was a stranger; he doesn't know me from anywhere, but my action gave him a clue of my secret struggles. He may not have given me money and gave me the tomatoes for free, but his kind words brought back my wandering soul. He reminded me that it's only a phase and that all will be fine.

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Thankfully, I am no longer in that same condition today, but each time I reflect on how a stranger helped my emotional need, I smile. Now to answer this prompt, our world today needs more kindness today. People are passing through a lot of silent struggles; for some, they don't even voice it out but swallow it all, but think of these kinds of people receiving small kind words in different ways—it will make a difference.

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The other day, a young man hung himself in a tree close to my apartment. When we noticed it, we called the police. Upon police arrival, we discovered that he was already a corpse. The police searched his pocket and saw a small phone with a written letter on it. On that letter, the man expressed his frustration in life and pleaded that his family should forgive him, but he can't continue with the hard life journey anymore.

It was such an emotional experience, and right there, I imagined if we spread enough kindness in our world to touch as many lives that need it, maybe it could go a long way in saving lives, bringing hope to the hopeless, calling back some wandering souls, and more. 🌸

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As a mom who has walked through emotional seasons in life, from my son's health challenges that have taken me round the state to other parenting journeys, I can beat my chest to confess that what has kept me going is not even money but the little act of kindness from people. A lot of times, I hear words like "Nkem, you are a super mom," "I love your resilience," "You are doing well," "Don't give up," "You are almost there," "Hang in there," "The whole world will hear your story over this son of yours ," and many more words of encouragement that bring joy to my heart. These mean a lot to me, I must say, and more reason while I have kept pushing till date.

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Overall, we can choose to be intentional in spreading love and kindness to others and to our world; it will make a big impact.

This is my response to the ladies of Hive contest #278
Interested in joining ? Link here

Images are mine!