On recognizing

As humans, we often avoid doing good deeds because of the mentality of “Who’s going to see it?”

This mindset is flawed because everyone instinctively recognizes good actions, albeit in different ways. Just because others can’t see something happen doesn’t mean it didn’t occur. Recognizing moments and experiences is a natural part of being human.

For instance, I can’t explain how a random item in a grocery store triggers memories of my past. There are times when I sit down to study, play a playlist on YouTube, and suddenly hear the song "Wavin' Flag." This song brings back fond memories of my best friend, reminding me of how much he loved it. I recognize that moment, and it brings a smile to my face. I’m grateful that I chose to acknowledge those memories.

Recognizing the colors of a butterfly’s wings, observing how a toddler is learning to walk near the park, noticing the behavior of a sweet lady I met at an ice cream shop when I asked her for my favorite cheesecake, acknowledging the challenges faced by a colleague who is in the same year as I am but much more mature than me, and appreciating the true beauty of the sky at twilight— I love that I recognized all of this because if I hadn’t, I would have never written it down.

Recognizing the slow-paced life of an older man who goes for a walk every day, and in the evening just to combat his loneliness, makes me reflect on how this world, despite being so populated, can feel incredibly lonely. New bonds are being formed, while some bonds never even begin. I cherish the unforgettable moments from my trips, as they allow me to live more freely. I hope to make those experiences recognizable in the future as well.

You are recognized by each stranger. If saving kids from getting scolded by someone left an impact on those kids, you helped them not to get scolded again. you took a stand. if passing a smile to a stranger who is underconfident, bypassing the smile, you change the shyness in that person, and she still recognizes you. if going to a cafe after dinner, you pay, and when in return you pass some treat to the underprivileged waiter, you make his soul happy. every person you crossed recognized your actions and deeds and maybe prayed for you or wrote in their diary or said about it to their family members how kind you have been. or on a tea stall, the group of friends shared the act of kindness you did. you are recognized.

This realization adds a bit of fun to my existence. I understand that someone will recognize me, which motivates me to be a better person in any way I can. Whether it’s smiling more, even on a rough day, passing the jug when I’d rather not, making space for that elderly lady in a busy lane, finding the screw the electrician accidentally dropped at my house, chatting with the girl who came to apply mehndi on my mom’s hands, or picking up the box that fell off the table, I can make an effort to be memorable in someone’s eyes. This fact makes me happy and encourages me to be kinder.

And you what will be left in your legacy? your good nature, our work will always be recognizable. and people will think about that. it will leave an impact.