Choosing kindness even when it is not the easy path.
I shared this years ago, but wow… it still pulls at my heart today.
An anthropologist invited children from an African tribe to play a game. He placed a bowl filled with sweet fruit by a tree. He told the children,
“The one who gets to the tree first will be rewarded with all of the sweet fruit.”
When he gave the signal, something beautiful happened.
Instead of running alone, the children held hands and ran together. When they reached the tree, they sat down and shared the fruit.
The anthropologist, surprised, asked why they would do that when one of them could have had everything.
Their response was simple…
“Ubuntu.”
“I exist because we exist.” ❤️
Is it possible for one to be truly happy when everyone else is sad?
What if we lived more like this?
Looking out for one another.
Lifting instead of competing.
Choosing kindness even when it is not the easy path.
Tonight, take a moment and reflect…
Where can you extend a hand instead of reaching ahead?
We were never meant to do this life alone.
Reflecting on the concept of Ubuntu, which means 'I exist because we exist,' I’ve found that choosing kindness often requires courage, especially when it’s easier to go your own way. Personally, I've experienced moments at work where collaboration and empathy can feel like the difficult path. Yet, embracing kindness and supporting my colleagues not only created a more positive environment but also led to better teamwork and success for all. In everyday life, small acts such as holding the door for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or lending an ear to a friend in need are ways to extend that hand instead of reaching ahead. The story of the children sharing fruit is a beautiful reminder that success and happiness are richer when shared. It challenges the common notion of individual achievement and highlights the importance of community and interconnectedness. The Ubuntu philosophy reminds me that our happiness is intertwined with others’, and true fulfillment comes from lifting each other up rather than competing. By choosing kindness even when it is not the easy path, we nurture deeper connections that can sustain us through challenges. This mindset shift can transform workplaces, families, and communities into spaces where everyone thrives. Ultimately, living with kindness and empathy encourages us to reflect on our daily interactions and ask ourselves: how can I contribute to someone’s joy today? Experiencing the ripple effects of kindness, I've learned that these moments not only uplift others but also enrich my own journey in meaningful ways.
