Be Kind to Strangers

“Remember the beauty of being kind to strangers, of opening yourself up to new connections and perspectives.”

A few days ago, I reconnected with a friend of mine, Steve Gamlin, on the Moments Worth Remembering podcast.

We spoke about a variety of topics including his reaction to receiving his own Moments Worth Remembering book, the significance of staying authentic to oneself.

However, amidst all that was shared, what stood out to me were Steve's stories about the power of being kind to strangers.

As Steve shared stories from his life, particularly his experiences with Beachbum Philanthropy, the nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless, I couldn't help but reflect on my own experience.

It brought me back to a time when I was living in Ghana 🇬🇭, where I encountered a completely different cultural approach to interacting with strangers.

There, from a very young age, people are taught to engage or talk to strangers.

To treat them as if they are a part of their community.

It was such a foreign concept to me when I first heard about it.

Much of it due to how I was raised in this part of the world.

I was raised with a sense of caution towards strangers.

Advised not to talk to them.

It is fascinating to me how just a single word difference in upbringing could shape one's perspective on human connection.

Steve's stories of working with his nonprofit, as well as committing random acts of kindness for people also reminded me of the power simple acts of kindness can have on others.

It has been years since I made such choice.

To break free from the fear and hesitation ingrained in me.

To openly interact with strangers.

To learn from them.

To grow alongside them.

To be kind to them.

After all, we are all strangers to each other until we take the time to get to know one another.

As you go on with the rest of your day, remember the beauty of being kind to strangers, of opening yourself up to new connections and perspectives.