//////First Record//// 

From Fatima to Naynaz

T h e  G i s t 

For my first act of kindness, I gave a drawing to my most beloved friend, Naynaz. With such a small act that takes very little to no time at all to complete, I have impacted my friend that now thinks optimistically about herself and future. Over the past couple of weeks, Naynaz's self-esteem has degraded due to the immense amount of homework she receives from her academic classes and her extreme drive to be the best at these subjects. Not only does she have high expectations from herself, but she also receives unrealistic demands from her parents. Despite the fact that she has talked to me about it, I couldn't think of anything that could possibly cheer her up. I was fully aware that my social skills are lacking when it comes to comforting others, so I thought that a small token from my partake could change her negative outlook on her academic life. I gave her a drawing of Athena, her favorite Greek goddess. She is very much appealed to the Greek mythology, and considers Athena to be the best of the best. Though it may not have a connection with what she is going through, I believe that a small token like this could instantly turn her frown upside down. When she received the gift, there was a glint of happiness in her eyes, and that is all it took to make me have a smile on my face as well. Through this act of kindness, I have learned that even the smallest things can have a big impact in people that are down and suffering from troubles of their own. I think I impacted my friend with even the smallest hint of hope and happiness with this gift. After I gave her the gift, I told her to cheer up and just try again for her academic subjects, and I think that impacted her positively. She now looks on to her projects optimistically. Though the process may be small, I think, with small, baby steps, I can make her not worry so much about her academics. 

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//////Second Record//// 

From Fatima and Fey to friends

T h e  G i s t 

For our second act of kindness, we bought cashews for us to enjoy with our friends. With both of us pitching in, we bought cashew nuts from Wal-Mart, which is quite nearby to where we live, so, with benefitting exercise from this trip in mind, we headed off by walking. During lunch, our friends were undeniably excited and appreciative of us sharing these cashews with them. For such a small act of kindness, we were able to to loosen the atmosphere in our friend group. Two of our friends have had some tensions between them that they, even now, haven't resolved yet, so we thought that possibly having our clique enjoy some sort of activity together, we could possibly loosen the tension between our two friends. With this in mind, we bought the cashews, so both of our friend take quite a liking for them. They were very much delighted to eat them, and even though it may be a small act that is nothing to be proud off, we were very much satisfied from just the looks of their faces. Through this experience, we have learned that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference. Now, our two friends are trying to resolve their problems, and all is well. Our act has impacted these two individuals because they are now trying to resolve their problems and are taking the time to empathize with each other's feelings, which is quite a progress, if you ask us. 

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//////Third Record//// 

From Fatima to her family

T h e  G i s t 

For my third act of kindness, I made mango juice for my family to enjoy. I've taken notice that we tend to buy pre-packaged juice boxes, so I thought it may be a good change to make the mango juice at home, just to get out of the old habit of drinking juice from those packages, whether that may be temporarily. Secondly, I felt as if I haven't done a nice thing or two for my family for a while, so I did this in order to get rid of the comfortable familiarity of my mom doing everything for this household. I know it may only be a small token from my partake, but judging for my sister's cheek-to-cheek, wide smile, she was simply delighted to hear that I made some mango juice for everyone. I think that through performing this kind of deed, I was able to impact my mom and my sister. Now, all my sister wants to drink are stuff that were made at home, while my mom now makes the effort of finding pre-made juice mixes so that I can just that into water. We also have a lot of bonding time with each other. We also make the effort to make bubbletea together every weekend. Not only is this a healthier alternative, but we are also able to socialize with each other rather than being glued to computer seats all day. Through this, I was also able to learn that our actions truly does impact the attitudes of people around us. I was able to understand that doing good deeds to others will definitely lead to some progress and will quite beneficial for not only myself but also the people around me. 

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//////Fourth Record//// 

From Fey to friends

T h e  G i s t

For my first initiative to random acts of kindness, I wrote letters to 3 of my friends. From outside, they look like envelopes. Although when you unfold it, it turns into a big heart. They all look the same but within it, they hold a different message. Two of them were letters regarding that I was sorry. The third one was a thank you letter. It’s sometimes hard to put into words on how much we care about someone and I believe that through a letter is one of the best ways to express it. It’s also a way to let them know that that I was thinking of them. In all honesty, for me the simplest gift will be the most treasured one. Sure, a letter is simple but it takes a lot of time, thoughts and effort towards it. On the two letters, I wanted to say sorry was for not being the best leader to them because I didn’t contact daily or to take time to plan hang outs to bond. I wanted to tell them that I’d do my best to do better. I also added that I even through all this, I still am thinking of the group I facilitated. Sometimes, expecting them to connect the dots or for them to create positive thoughts on how I think about them is wrong. I think that, “they understand and I don’t have to worry.” I was wrong. I needed to tell them but in a written way. Next was the third letter regarding my gratitude towards her. Albert Schweitzer once said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has a cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” This quote basically sums up on what and why I chose to write a thank you letter to her. In the end, the three ladies appreciated on what I’ve down and it made their day. When they doubt or feel unloved, they can always look at the letter I gave them because it could be a reminder on how much of a blessing they are to me and that I really care about them. What I learned was that if you take the effort to show someone on how much you care and appreciate about them, the same amount of love will return. Sometimes it could even be more what you expected. Moreover, I learned that something so simple could be the reason for their smile and it feels better to see someone else’s happiness than your own.

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//////Fifth Record//// 

From Fey to a friend

T h e  G i s t

I’ve been so busy with my life that it’s letting some of my friendships fade especially, friends whom I don’t go to the same school with. Therefore, my second initiative to random acts of kindness was to phone call them. In the way I see my generation, texting is what’s more common rather than calling because it’s easier to do. To add on, I texting it won’t be a big deal if you reply a little bit later. A phone call takes more effort because the person you’re texting is not usually your main focus. For a phone call, it is. I like to text but realizing that, I also realize that I never actually phone called a friend to ask how they were. I thought that calling them would be unusual and uncomfortable. Then, I stopped to think, “Sometimes it’s not easy or comfortable to be kind because to be kind is another step of changing someone or yourself positively.” I was willing to take few moments to reconnect with someone. I wanted to reach out to someone who I care about but I haven’t talked to in a while. I wanted to do all this because I want them to realize, they are important enough for my time. I called three of them. I asked how they wore, how much I appreciate and miss them and to say that they were beautiful. One of them said, “I needed this because I’ve been so busy with my life that I just needed a break and to talk to someone.” What a coincidence. It made her happy and positive. In a way, it was a recharge on her energy. For the other two, it was the same. They were happy. The happier you are, the healthier your soul is physically and emotionally. To be part of that small happiness was an honor. I learned that everyone is busy but for some reason they weren’t busy enough to pick up that phone. There’s time to talk to someone. If you just stop and take 5 minutes maybe less or even more to do so, you would know that it’s worth it. It doesn’t just strengthen your friendship but it also strengthens your motivation and to realize that you are worth someone’s time. An unknown once quoted, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Go and take someone’s breath away even if it’s a sigh of relief from stress.

end .