When I look at my life I am able to see how truly lucky I am. Not only do I have everything that I need but I also have everything I want. I have a family that I love with my whole heart, so many beautiful friends, and so many others who care about me. I am able to find something that makes me happy every day. However, sometimes I often get caught up in my own world. My thoughts often pertain to me and my being instead of others and their feelings. Sometimes I just lose sight of what really matters.

This week, I saw multiple people on the side of the street holding signs that said how hungry that they were. I had an automatic reaction to this situation and I found myself saying that I would find someone else to help instead. This past year I told myself that whenever I saw someone in that situation I would buy them something. However, recently I would find myself saying that I would do it next time. There would be someone else that I could give food to at another time and I couldn’t afford it. I had a box of granola bars in my car specifically for that reason but I decided to tell myself that they weren’t good anymore. When I would see someone, I would justify why I wouldn’t stop.

Realizing my selfish thoughts, I decided it was time to start thinking about the way others felt. Obviously, they were hungry and couldn’t find their way out. I wanted to show others that I could help them and I cared about them. I found my chance last Monday when I saw someone standing at the street next to my house. I was already going to the store and I decided I would purchase something for this man. Walking around in Winco I decided I would buy a sandwich and a Gatorade. It was something so simple but something that I knew would be appreciated.

The man was instantly in tears causing me to do the same. He was so incredibly happy and my heart skipped around full of joy. I had caused this man to feel this way and that was the most amazing thing in the world. After this occurrence, I realized that I wanted to do so much more. I wanted to help as many as I could. I realized that I could only do so much by waiting to see someone on the side of the road. I just wanted to help.

This experience helped me to realize that my dreams involved helping others. My mind instantly arrived at my dreams of being a counselor. With this dream I can help so many people. I want to help people find the joy in their life. I have struggled with this concept myself and I want to show others that they are beautiful. I want to help others and provide them with the things that they need to be successful.

I think that helping people can be scary sometimes and that’s why many people don’t do it. You don’t know if they will accept the help or what will happen if you show other people the kindness they deserve. I often get caught up in that thought myself and find that I choose not to help people when I am in that mindset. It’s a hard task choosing to help because we often think of what we need before we think about what others need. We neglect to think of ourselves in that situation and often find the negatives of our own lives. However, when you consider the others that surround us it can be simple to find some way to show kindness. It can be as simple as a smile, helping at a community event, or buying someone a small meal. Show others kindness in any way you can and I promise you will find the happiness in your life.