Generosity has a way of showing up when you least expect it. It’s the little moments—the ones that turn your day around, restore your faith in people, and remind you that the world isn’t such a bad place after all.
I grew up surrounded by selflessness—not in words, but in actions. My grandparents never sat me down to talk about doing good in the world. They didn’t preach about honesty or helping others. They simply lived it.
My grandmother spent time delivering meals to older members of the community, and my grandfather once found a wad of cash on a bus in Australia. Instead of pocketing it, he tracked down the owner—who, as it turned out, was a band that had just wrapped up their gig for the night. That money wasn’t just spare change—it was their earnings, their livelihood. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t expect praise—he just did what was right, because that’s the kind of person he was.
The Small Things Stick With You
Generosity isn’t just about big moments—it’s about the small things that stay with you long after they happen.
Like the time my husband and I accidentally left our camera on a bus heading for India. We were visibly upset, worried that we had lost all our holiday memories, when a local noticed and quickly sprang into action. Without hesitation, he jumped onto his bike and chased down the bus to retrieve it for us.
When he handed the camera back, we were beyond grateful. Wanting to thank him properly, we gave him what we thought was a generous tip. His face lit up with excitement—he was absolutely thrilled.
It wasn’t until later that someone explained that the amount we had given him was more than his monthly wages. Suddenly, everything clicked—why he had been so overjoyed. And when we realized just how much it had meant to him, there were smiles all around.
But that’s the beauty of paying it forward—selfless acts don’t just stop with one person. From that moment on, we were looked after by strangers, given help when we needed it, and treated with a warmth that extended beyond one interaction. It was as if that single moment of generosity sparked a ripple effect, continuing in ways we never expected.
A Helping Hand (And a Broken One)
Support doesn’t always come with a grand gesture—sometimes, it’s just about stepping in at the right moment.
Take the night I poured myself a glass of wine, got comfortable, and promptly tumbled backwards over a footstool. I landed hard, but—priorities—I saved the wine. The next morning, my hand was swollen and completely useless. Getting to the hospital was proving difficult—my husband was busy, taxis weren’t running, and the streets were packed.
So, my daughter and I started walking. As we passed the football stadium, a black taxi pulled up. The driver saw my injured arm and asked if we needed a ride. I told him I had no cash, but he waved it off and insisted on taking us anyway. That simple act made all the difference, especially since my injury turned out to be a serious compound break.
When Compassion Is Missing
Of course, generosity isn’t always there when you need it.
I remember navigating a busy McDonald’s with my hand in a cast, balancing a tray of food for my kids. Just as I was trying to find a seat, someone dove into a nearby table, throwing everything into chaos. No one stopped to help, no one even noticed. We ended up leaving without eating. It was such a small moment, but it stuck with me—how different that day could have been with just a little more consideration.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Not everyone loves accepting help, and that’s completely fair. But goodwill isn’t about taking away someone’s independence—it’s about making life a little easier, a little warmer, a little better. Even a smile, a kind word, opening a door for someone (whether to a building or an opportunity), or helping a lost traveler find their way can change someone’s day.
Generosity doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, and it doesn’t have to be something you consciously decide to do just once. If you have the opportunity, why not make it part of the way you move through the world? Whether it’s offering guidance, returning a lost item, or simply showing patience, compassion can become second nature when you allow it to.
Be the star of your own story—but who knows? You might just brighten someone else’s, too.
