The Debt of Kindness
Life keeps an unspoken ledger, like an invisible tab that tracks acts of thoughtfulness or goodwill. This isn't a financial debt but a quiet record of how we give and receive.
Think about the moments when kindness has touched your life. Perhaps a stranger held the door open when your hands were full, or a friend listened when your heart was heavy. Maybe a caregiver sacrificed their own comfort to ensure your well-being, or a confidante helped guide you toward your path. The earth itself carries your footprints and nourishes you without complaint. These acts of generosity accumulate over time and sometimes go unnoticed.
In the rush of daily life, it's easy to overlook these invisible debts. We accept kindness without always remembering to return it; this is not out of selfishness but because we get caught up in the forward motion of our days. Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it's an action. Recognizing the kindness we've received is important, but what truly matters is passing it on. In my book, Don't Chase Your Dreams, Allow Them to Come to You, I often reflect on the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. The "Tao," or the "Way," is an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches us to live in harmony with the natural flow of life.
Just as we receive kindness, we also ought to give it, not as an obligation but as a natural way to maintain balance. Giving back should feel as effortless as the sun rising each morning. It is not a chore but a way of being. When we give freely, we become part of the organic rhythm that keeps life in motion. The truth is, we all owe a debt to someone, and that is beautiful. It means we are connected and we have been loved.
One way to honour this cycle is by recognizing those who came before us, our ancestors, mentors, and teachers, who paved the way for our growth and shaped the world we know today. We also owe a debt to the earth itself. Trees bear fruit, rivers provide water, and the sun offers warmth, all without expecting anything in return. Just as nature gives unconditionally, we must provide by protecting, preserving, and caring for the land and all living things that share it with us.
Paying our tab does not require wealth or extravagance. Sometimes, it is as simple as being present for someone who needs support, offering encouragement, or choosing kindness over indifference. In giving, we do not lose; we simply take our place in the natural rhythm of life, where abundance is not measured by what we keep but by what we share.
As you move through your day, pause for a moment and reflect on the kindness you've received and the kindness you have yet to give. How will you give back?
