What will be your first kind act of 2026?
Discovering Koh Samui, and Thailand in general, was an extraordinary experience that has stayed with me for more than twenty years.
When I was in my early twenties, I took a job that had me working for an NGO in Bangladesh and then in Thailand. I arrived in Thailand right before Christmas, and I spent the holidays on the beach in Krabi Province. I then travelled to Koh Samui, which at the time was a quieter and less overrun island than Phuket.
On December 31, I ventured to the beachside to see where I could have dinner. One of the restaurants had set up dozens of tables right on the beach, and I could sit down for a meal while feeling the cool sand between my toes.
A group of about eight people sat a few tables away from me. Their energy was loud and joyous. After dinner, a woman from that group came over to me.
“Would you like to join us for the new year?” she asked. “No one should have to welcome the new year alone.”
I don’t remember where she was from, perhaps somewhere in Europe. It doesn’t really matter either way. What mattered was amidst her fun-filled time, she had noticed me, alone at my table.
I hadn’t been crying or sad, really. I didn’t have any trouble being on my own.
But, still. She reached out and wanted to provide some comfort, a little bit of love for a fellow human being.
I thanked her and followed her to her table. After all, how could I turn down such a heartfelt offer?
Someone handed me a glass of champagne, and not too long after, the sky lit up with a beautiful array of colours.
It was the new year, and with it came new hopes, new dreams, new possibilities.
I don’t remember what any of those people looked or sounded like, nor did I catch or retain any names. But what I do remember, more than twenty years later, was the kindness that had been extended to me.
Let’s remember that we can be that kindness to others. As we contemplate what tomorrow may bring, and the 364 days beyond that, let us remember our own capacity for compassion, kindness and goodness.
American educator, author and orator Booker T. Washington once said:
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
May we all be gloriously happy in this new year to come.
Until next year.
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