We’ve all experienced moments in our lives which have left us feeling extremely lucky or appreciative. However, majority of us actually have so much to be grateful for every single day. At times we seem to overlook the little things that we have in our lives and often take so much for granted.

Just the other day, whilst I was traveling my usual route to university, I found myself waiting in traffic at intersections and staring into space, as per usual. Of course, at certain intersections there were the usual beggars and vagrants asking for donations and desperately trying to make a quick buck. Of which a homeless couple even had a little dog that would roam around with them. I was certain that they had even started to recognise who I was by the amount of times I had driven past them.

Nonetheless, just a few days ago, whilst waiting in traffic, a little boy jumped out of the car in front of me, ran and opened the boot of the car and gave two very large, full black bags to the beggars and homeless couple. In that moment, I have never seen such happiness exuded from people in a very, very long time. The fact that a full black bag, filled with goodies that they were completely unaware of could make someone so happy and appreciative really put things into perspective for me. Seeing this act of kindness really put a smile on my face and made me realise just how much I take for granted. This past week I’ve found myself complaining about how little space I have in my cupboard, as my clothing seems to be pouring out of it. And the more I think about how big the smiles were on the couples faces when they received that black bag, the guiltier I feel about thinking that a ‘small’, jam-packed cupboard is a problem, or being so self absorbed and selfish at times. Not only have I complained about having too little space for clothing, but I have complained about my laptop being too heavy to carry, my internet giving problems and have heard numerous complaints from people about their cell phones being outdated or having missed shows on television.

At times, life is so full of superficiality that we forget about all the little things in life, as well as the small, yet important roles that we have to play…the role that we have as individuals to give back to those in need or those less fortunate. We fail to realise how happy we could make someone and just how much we can enrich their lives. I have given back to the community before, and have experienced the feeling of fulfillment and gratitude that comes with it. A feeling that provides more satisfaction and fulfillment then any amount of money will ever provide. A feeling that is truly priceless. I’ll admit that I have become so caught up in my own life and everything happening in it, that I have failed to give back on a regular basis. But I have decided that I need to make time to help those in need. The first place I will start at… is my cupboard. I have made it my goal to give more of my time to helping those in need and will donate a lot of my clothing that does not fit me or will not be worn, therefore solving my problem of having an overflowing cupboard. For every item of clothing that I buy, one item needs to be given away to someone less fortunate. It’s not much, but it’s surely a start. A gradual start of regularly giving back and helping me to appreciate all that I have in my life.

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with a great heart.” – Mother Teresa.