The Magic of Kindness

I was lucky enough to witness a random act of kindness today. I found it super inspiring but quickly got bummed out when I got thought about how common it is for us to underestimate the value that these small acts can have. As a society, we value attributes such as intelligence and strategic thinking, often leaving the power of kindness to go ignored.

Today reminded just how powerful kindness can be. One of my classmates, who happens to be my namesake - Nafis - had the great idea to show our one and only, Karen Robertson, some appreciation. Karen is the Academic Advisor for the International Development program at Waterloo and, in our three years of schooling, she's been nothing short of a gem!

Using sidewalk chalk, the students wrote "INDEV <3's Karen" in huge letters so that she could see the message from her third floor office window. She was surprised, to say the least! As I stood beside the message while Karen waved from above, all I could think was about how this simple act (which took my classmates no more than 15 minutes) had the potential to change someone's day. That person will now go about their day with a smile, and in a better mood. That person – moved by this small act of kindness – is also likely to pass on that good deed.

So if it's that easy, and it can have THAT great of an impact, why is it something we so often seem to look past? I can't seem to figure it out - at what point did we transition to a society that doesn’t see the value in helping others? I might be coming off a bit cynical, so let me clarify; there is A LOT of kindness in the world – for goodness sake, I have 31amazing classmates who are ready to dedicate their lives to make a positive difference in the world. We love the people we do because of their kindness and the happiness they bring into our lives. All in all, I'm not saying this kindness is non-existent, I'm just saying it doesn't happen nearly as often as it should.

There are so many opportunities for those little acts of kindness, and it's so easy to do that one small thing that makes the world a better place. I'm not suggesting you give up your career to save the world or that you suddenly become a "tree hugger", I'm saying you should take out that one extra minute to do something that may very well go unnoticed. Pick up that water bottle you see lying in the parking lot and throw it in the recycling, pay for a stranger's coffee, hold open the door for the person behind you - the options are endless!

What do you think? Do you in fact believe that the bigger initiatives are the ones that count the most? And why is it that the small acts of kindness are such a rare commodity in today's society?

I would also love to hear stories of small act of kindness that changed your day!

Faithful

Last September, my co-workers and I were given an assignment wherein we had to choose one word to describe our best selves. More specifically, we were to answer the question “What if someone said that you had to trade in your name for a word that best describes you as your ‘ideal self’? What would you choose and why?" I didn’t choose a word that best described me, but instead a word that described me in my most ideal situation. I chose the word “Time” because, in my perfect life, I would have time to accomplish, see, and experience all that I desire. There is so much I want to do in the world and I can only hope that I’ll have enough time to do so.

A lot has happened since last September and, somewhere along the way, my one word changed. Upon heavy reflection and re-assessment, though my appreciation for time remained unhinged, the importance of certain values has heightened.

As such, if I were to be asked that same question today, my one word would actually be "Faithful". By definition, faith is to have confidence, trust or belief in something that is not based on proof. For me, as opposed to having a religious reference, being faithful is a confidence in the triumph of good versus bad. More specifically, my faithful nature is exemplified vis-à-vis my expectations for both my future and the future of everyone across the globe.

Personally

Each year seems to be more eventful than the last and more memorable than any other. In spite of the various curve balls thrown my way this past year, I’ve walked away feeling more positive, confident, and faithful than ever before.

My newfound faith has set off a comfort that things will work out for the best, regardless of how rocky they may seem at one point or another. I am faithful that things will fall into place – whether it is my friendships, relationships or my career. I don’t feel as much of a need to sweat the little things because I am confident that everything happens for a reason, and whatever is happening is bringing me one step closer to my dreams. I don’t need a specific path outlined for where I will be in the next year, two years, or five years, because I am faithful that each experience is a guiding factor in my self-discovery.

Development

In my years at Waterloo, the more I learned about development, the more I perceived issues surrounding it to be an insurmountable. I saw development as an unfair battle, one of the individual against unassailable organizations such as multinational corporations or the government. My biggest hurdle on this educational path has been rooted in my efforts to not become a hopeless cynic. Fortunately, my experiences this past year have shone light on the potentials for the future and have, consequently, restored my faith in the capabilities of the human species.

I have faith that good will prevail and that development is possible. I am faithful that truly participatory development and development projects that take into consideration the views of all stakeholders and are not pipe dreams, but instead realities of the future. Most importantly, I am faithful that the work I do in my lifetime – so long as I do so both passionately and critically – can have a positive impact.

All in all, I am faithful.

This newfound faith has instilled in me a sort of calmness that I’ve never felt before. Though life isn’t clear, I’ve let go of my fear and I trust that my intentions will manifest.

And to those doubters out there, don’t be too quick too judge. My faith shouldn’t be mistaken for naivety; I don’t think it will be an easy path. I don’t think it’ll happen without a fight or without sacrifices. I am, nevertheless, faithful that the struggle will lead to positive results, and that ends achieved are worth the means. 

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.
       -Henry Ward Beecher

21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity

I got this off of Buzz Feed and I thought it was a must-see for everyone! In an effort to avoid plagiarism, I've posted my favourites of the 21 pictures. To check the rest of them out, click the link!

1. This picture of Chicago Christians who showed up at a gay pride parade to apologize for homophobia in the Church.

... and the reaction from the parade.

2. This story about Japanese senior citizens who volunteered to tackle the nuclear crisis at Fukushima power station so that young people wouldn't have to subject themselves to radiation.

3. This picture of two Norwegian guys rescuing a sheep from the ocean.

4. This sign at an awesome bookshop.

6. The moment in which this Ohio athlete stopped to help an injured competitor across the finish line during a track meet.

17-year-old Meghan Vogel was in last place in the 3,200-meter run when she caught up to competitor Arden McMath, whose body was giving out. Instead of running past her to avoid the last-place finish, Vogel put McMath's arm around her shoulders, carried her 30 meters, and then pushed her over the finish line before crossing it.

7. This exchange between a 3-year-old girl and a shopping center.

8. This note that was handed to a waiter along with a $20 bill by an elderly lady in his restaurant.

Click "Read More" to see pictures 9 to 21!

Battling the Stigma of Mental Illness

About a month ago, I did the unthinkable and I tried to play a sport competitively (ball hockey to be precise). Looking past the fact that it was the first time I’d ever held a hockey stick, and that I didn’t know whether I was a rightie or a leftie, I played quite well!

To my dismay, this awesomeness lasted no more than two games. During our second game, I got tripped by a stick and fell to what felt like my death. I tried to be a champ and I kept playing but that only made the problem worse.

Unfortunately, the aftermath of my accident wasn’t pretty; in fact it was actually quite disgusting. When I finally went to the doctor the following night, I found out I’d partially torn two ligaments and I had to be on and off crutches for 3 weeks. (On the plus side, it was my first sports injury!)

Those three weeks involved a lot of limping and I had to leave home 15 minutes earlier for all my classes. My friends were amazing and they were all so helpful (a special shout out to Adam for carrying my bag!). Strangers were a lot nicer too; they went past common courtesy so not only would they smile, but they’d rush to open doors, and one even offered her prayers.

The kindness was overwhelming and it got me thinking about other types of illness, particularly mental illnesses and disorders. I thought about depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and so on. Different to my injury, these types of illnesses can go unnoticed and, more often than not, they’re pushed aside or ignored all together. Mental disabilities aren’t visible the way my swollen ankle was, and for some reason society tends to turn a blind eye.

We all have an idea of what someone with a mental illness is like, but most of our views and interpretations have been distorted through strongly held social beliefs. The media tends to aggravate society’s distorted view of mental illness. Society, in some cases, perceives people to be responsible for the disease. We push the blame and consequences of the illness onto these people and utter phrases such as “It’s their fault they’re depressed,” or “ They choose to drink”.

I think it’s about time for some change. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses needs to be broken, and it shouldn’t be such a taboo to discuss it in certain cultural or religious circles.

First off, there is no particular way to develop a mental illness. For some people, it occurs due to genetic factors in their family. Other causes may relate to environment stressors such as experiences of severe child abuse, war, torture, poverty, loss, isolation, neglect or abandonment.

Secondly, it is unfair to perceive people with mental illnesses as weak. People with mental disorders often display remarkable courage and strength—maintaining jobs and raising families despite anxiety, depression or other cerebral challenges. It takes courage for one to admit he/she is suffering from a problem that carries such stigma.

There’s so much we don’t know about mental illness because we let societal norms of what is “acceptable” prevent us from bringing it up. Mental illness frightens us and, in turn, we marginalize the people who most need our acceptance.

This is not the way forward, this is not a path for a more open, accepting, and sympathetic world. To deconstruct the stigma around mental illnesses and disorders, we must break through the silence and fear. And to do so, we should encourage unashamed conversation from the individuals and their affected friends and family. As Glenn Close said, “Our society ought to understand that many people with mental illness, given the right treatment, can be full participants in our society.”

TedTalk: Sunitha Krishnan Fights Sex Slavery

This literally gave me goosebumps. So unbelievably eye-opening. Please do yourself a favour and have a watch.
"It's time to break our culture of silence... and open our minds and hearts."

Sunitha Krishnan Fights Sex Slavery

I would appreciate nothing more than to hear what you think! Please leave a comment.