My Heart Fluttered-

Approaching the cashier with my items, she reached out to scan them. She was looking down and seemed sad. I kindly said hello and asked, 'How are you today?' Softly, she said, “I am getting by.” My heart went out to her, and I sparked a casual conversation. “I always come here for my olive oil. I love the imports, and the bottles are so pretty.” She reached out to grab my tea next and exclaimed, “I like this brand of tea. I haven’t tried this flavor before, though. I told her that I had just started using a new teapot and how I enjoy having tea in the evening as I wind down.

We finished our exchange, and I left, wishing her a good day.

As I got home, I couldn’t help thinking about her. She was in her early twenties. I have learned a great deal about the challenges our younger generation faces today. Loneliness has become an epidemic; the addiction to our screens leaves many fighting depression, and in a 2024 article from Yale, Youth Suicide is on the Rise, they reported suicide as one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. And while I didn’t know what her struggles were that day, it was clear she was saddened by something. My intuition gently nudged me to go back to that store. As I walked in, she was now working on the floor, right at the entrance. I had taken note of her name, so when I saw her, I greeted her by name. I told her I thought I’d come back for more tea and asked her what her favorite was. She exclaimed,” The Peach Mango.” I thanked her and was off to the aisle. As I stood in line waiting for the next cashier, coincidentally, she stepped behind a register at the exact moment. The announcement was made over the intercom: 'Next customer, register three.' As I paid for the tea, I said, “This tea is for you”, and I pulled a card out of my back pocket. Inside the card, it read, “A gift to brighten your day. You have a beautiful soul, and may you always let it shine.” At that point, I walked out. I looked back to see that she had opened the card and waved at me, smiling. 

Sometimes a kind gesture can change someone’s day, and sometimes a kind gesture can change someone's life. Upon arriving home, it felt good to do something nice, but at that moment, my heart began to flutter unexpectedly. I couldn’t say I had taken note of this actual sensation before, but it was calm and soothing like the purr of a cat right in the center of my chest, for a few moments. This emotion, to me, was a sign of happiness that comes with taking the time to give yourself to another. Your kindness, when given authentically, not only makes the world a better place, but it also makes you happier. If only in the moment when you set your issues aside to give of yourself to another, you both win. 

May you share your kindness freely, and may your heart flutter with happiness. 

My best, 

Yvette