As I was speed walking to catch my train, I came across two beggars sitting in front of Starbucks. This was not the first time I had seen them sitting there. I saw them every day, and each time I saw them we shared a smile and I kept speed walking to catch my train.

During one of my speed walking episodes, I decided to pause to talk to them. I started the conversation by introducing myself, and letting them know I had no ill intentions. They looked at me like I had lost my mind, because I am sure no one has really ever stopped to talk to them.

I started asking them a lot of questions, because I was just genuinely interested in their lives and their stories. During our conversation they told they told me about how they ended up in their current state. They told me they experienced feeling invisible because so many people would walk past daily, and not even acknowledge them. While we were having this conversation, I was realizing how much of an impact this gesture of mine was having on them. They felt like someone cared and wanted to actually listen to them. They started getting more comfortable with me as we continued speaking, and even told me about the books they were reading.

After the conversation was over, I got them some food and water. Before, I was about to go catch my train they said something to me which has stuck with me till this day. They said: “You give us hope in people.” I felt like tears would start rolling down my cheeks so I told them to have a great day and continued on.

All this to say, that each one of us has the power to give other people hope. This is something that is desperately needed. Sometimes, we are so caught up in our own lives that we forget there are other people out there. We forget that there is a life outside of ourselves.

When you stop, pause, and listen to others – you are helping people by helping them get in touch with their thoughts, feelings, and most importantly themselves.

Keep spreading hope. Sending so much love your way

Love,

Manisha Sareen