strangers aren't always danger

When we think about going outside, we tend to return to our own safe group. Our friends. Sometimes it is important to take a step outside of our comfort zone and say a quick hello. Maybe make a new friend, but definitely make someone's day.

A week before my school's winter break, I remember walking home by exiting the back end of our school. I was listening to my music until a student (not sure who he was) looked at me, smiled, and said, "Have a nice day!" He didn't do anything other than wish me a good day to make me smile for the remainder of that walk home.

Though, while I was walking, I passed by another person. To return the favor I received, I made eye contact with her, regardless of all the social anxiety that had coiled up inside me. I smiled and said, "Have an amazing weekend!" I wasn't even the person receiving those words, and it made me smile to see that I made even the smallest impact on someone else.

It is important for us to step outside of our boundaries when it comes to acts of kindness. You never know who you could impact. For all I know, that woman could have been having the worst day ever and what I said made it at least a little better. It's the small things that count.

Yours truly,

Dear Youth Global

Aditi Dewangan