There is so much negativity in our community and for that matter the world.
And working at the paper I have a front row seat to it.
Sometimes weeks go by without a good news phone call.
The smallest things are found to be critical about and many are quick to show their disapproval.
But, let me assure you, there is so much good out there, we just have to open our eyes to see it.
Over the last few weeks, I have made a conscious effort to take notice of and appreciate at least one good thing around me every day.
Let me tell you this, I have seen so many things that have restored my faith in humanity. Not only internationally but right on my doorstep too.
It all started when I stumbled across a video of a young family in the USA who found a frozen kitten buried under the snow in their yard.
They took the little soul into their home, warmed it up and massaged it’s tiny little body.
Sometime later the little kitten started breathing and before long it was awake.
It was a little miracle in our harsh world.
And it was at that moment I decided to take a different look at our community.
On Christmas eve, with a full house of guests, we hear a commotion in the street.
An elderly couple from the neighbourhood dressed as Mr and Mrs Clause were driving around handing out sweet packets to the children.
No one asked them to do it, they just did. They didn’t charge for the packets and they didn’t complain that their car was surrounded by little smiling faces.
Then there was the Edenvale glass recycler who on his journey came across a woman with a flat tyre in early January.
Instead of walking past to the next bin, he stopped and helped her replace the tyre.
He could see she was struggling and never thought twice to offer a helping hand. By the time I stopped to offer assistance, he was already almost done.
The two, who had never met each other before, greeted each other with a smile before going their separate ways.
And more recently we ran a story online of a Tembisa woman who after shopping in Bedfordview, came across and elderly homeless woman.
She took her in and has cared for her since November.
There was no racial divide, the woman saw another human being in need of a little help and she stepped in to assist.
Is this not what being human is about?
So here’s my challenge to everyone.
Take notice of something good around you every day. Just one thing.
Do this for a week and when it happens, smile. Say thank you when someone helps you. Assist where you can, instead of complain about it.
Help you neighbour, help a stranger, help anyone and don’t expect anything in return.
A small gesture of kindness towards someone else may not mean anything to you but it could change that person’s day.
