An Instagram friend and a much needed affirmation
A couple days ago I got a message from a mutual friend who also goes to Purdue. We had followed each other on Instagram for a while, replied to each other’s stories, and had a couple of conversations, but have yet to meet in person. What we talk about show a large similarity in our morals and values and thus we know we get along. It’s always great to have friends you’re excited to meet when school starts up again.
However, the message I got a couple days ago was a bit different. It wasn’t a reply to my story, which is how all of our conversations had started. It was a notification of a “post shared.” He sent a post to me.
I was confused at first. What did he send me, and was it an accident? But when I clicked on it, it took me to a post that said the following:
“Send this to a woman who is doing a good job right now. Sometimes they just need to hear it.” -@successgoat on Instagram
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn’t that. I was confused why he was being so kind, having barely spoken to me, and that too, never in person. But I quickly caught myself asking a dumb question.
I shouldn’t be questioning kindness. I should be thanking it. I quickly replied to him and showed my (immense!) gratitude, typing in all caps and using emojis. To that, he responded, shocked by my overwhelming appreciation, that he didn’t think it was a big deal since it was normal for him to do such a thing.
What a dang relief.
We need more people in this world who do such things for no such reason. Without expecting anything back. Just because. Out of the love in their heart.
Today and always, may we choose the path of kindness. He didn’t know I was having a rough day that day. I was stressed and a mess. But that one Instagram post —a simple flip of a switch in my brain, an easy reminder —made all the difference.
Take a second to be more like him every day. The more you do it, the easier it’ll be. The easier it is, the more you do it. And so on.
Lots of love as always and take care,
Apuroopa
