Can you leave a lasting impression in just 5 seconds?
Let me share a story with you.
It was the year 2014.
I was on my way to buy some groceries when someone standing by the roadside asked for a lift. I slowed down my bike and asked the person where he wanted to go. He wanted to be dropped at the nearby bus stop which was approximately 1.5 km from that place.
As I was going in the same direction, I told him to sit on the back seat. Within few minutes, we reached the bus stop. He got down and thanked for the help. I wished him a good day.
Then I took a U-turn as the grocery shop where I wanted to go was on the way back.
The person was surprised to realize that I came 100 m ahead of my destination to drop him at the bus stop. But for me, it was just a matter of few seconds on the bike. He asked me to stop the bike and thanked me enough for the help. For me, it wasn’t a big deal, but for him, it was really special.
That experience made me realize that we can leave a lasting impression in a matter of few seconds.
This Act of Random Kindness (ARK) can also be applied to the field of running.
When you participate in any running event, you will find some runners towards the finish line struggling to finish the run. They are usually exhausted both physically and mentally. You may choose to slow down, motivate them to stay strong and finish the run. Believe me, your few encouraging words have the power to fill those tired souls with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Consider, someone is running in an event for the first time. He or she has already given up as the remaining distance looks back-breaking. That person is clear in his or her mind that in no way that distance can be covered. But you choose to encourage him or her to keep trying. When that person finishes the run, what is that he or she is going to experience?
The person will be transformed. His or her perception of self would change forever.
Only you can make that difference by adding the wind (of inspiring words) beneath the wings of that person when he or she has abandoned hope.
It’s lovely, isn’t it?
If you have experienced ARK anytime in your life, share your thoughts in the comments below.
PC: Pixabay from Pexels