Storytime – February 2, 2021
A few weeks ago, my town got hit with a lot of snow. After a heavy snowfall overnight, I found myself the following morning stuck in my car, deep in snow, regretting ever having left my driveway. I should have known better as I didn’t have winter tires, however, I thought by that time the roads would be cleared. After barely making it past a few houses down my street, my car tires were completely trapped in snow and I had no idea how to get out.
I was comforted by the fact that I was still on my street, close to my neighbours, but nonetheless it was still a nerve wracking predicament to be in. I noticed a few neighbours around me shoveling their driveways, but while sitting there idly in my car, I was too shy to ask for help. I was apprehensive and felt guilty because they each had their own mountains of snow to shovel, let alone the ones around me. But just as I was gathering confidence to ask for their assistance, a neighbour, who I’d never even spoken to before, came to check if I was okay.
At that moment, I felt embarrassed because it clearly looked like I was in distress, but I was instantly relieved to see a friendly face. Without hesitating or asking any questions, she grabbed her shovel and came to help me. Seconds later, two other neighbours joined us with their shovels, along with a delivery man, and all came to my rescue. I laugh thinking about this moment because it is such a Kundi-move, but it warms my heart to look back at it because I was so touched by their kindness and selflessness. Their humility and willingness to help me is a something I’ll forever be thankful for.
With all that happens in the world, sometimes I question human nature and the goodness of people, but this experience was timely. I was reminded that at the end of the day, we’re all human and no act of kindness is a small one. That morning, five strangers from different walks of life who most likely would never have met, were connected and brought together in a single moment—getting my car and I home safely. The world will be a much better place if we carry ourselves humbly, and show each other the humility that my neighbours did on that snowy morning.
I may not know where I’ll be one, five, ten, twenty, or fifty years from now, but all I know is that in my lifetime I hope to make others feel the way my neighbours made me feel on that day . It taught me the importance of community and loving thy neighbour. It may sound cliché, but you never know what impact you’ll have on a person’s life. Life is so much better when we support and uplift each other, and together, we can all inspire others to do the same.
Final thoughts
I encourage you today to do something kind for someone in your life. How? That’s completely up to you, but as long as it comes from the heart.
And just a friendly-reminder to stay indoors if you ever find yourself in a winter storm and you don’t have winter tires on. Spare your neighbours the hassle I gave mine!
Xo, Kundi
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