The Epitome of Considerateness

Putting others before oneself, thinking of the greater good and what the community is in need of, instead of focusing only on oneself, would be a pragmatic?approach to defining considerateness.

I wish to make this a tribute to a family friend who was the epitome of considerateness who passed away recently from a sudden heart attack. This lady who I fondly refer to as Aunty Felicia was efficient, energetic, practical, kind hearted and generous. There was no end to the list of things she could do; from running a house, to feeding people she barely knew to caring for the elderly, to keeping a tab on everyone's health and well being to offering lodging and helping people with their own lives. She would not sit still for a moment and while we blink, she would have a dozen things sorted out.

One of the few photographs I have with Aunty Felicia. She had such a reassuring presence and a radiant smile to complement her kindness.

She used to tell me 'we must help people when they need our help, not when it is convenient for us'. This may seem simple and straight forward; but this is a powerful piece of advice from one of the most considerate and helpful people I have ever known. Too often, we help others when it suits us, when we have time for it and when we can fit it in to our daily routine. By which time, the other person may have struggled and sorted their issues out without our help or worse, would have dropped to doldrums which are beyond anyone's help.?

I sputter and stammer at the prospect of doing half of what she used to do, but I try to accommodate the cries and calls of others in to my schedule without waiting for it to suit my own demands.?

Sometimes, what it requires is sacrificing half an hour of sleep, a small detour of a couple of kilometres, the postponing of one conference call or just taking the time to answer a call. It could also mean, making the effort to send a message to someone, stopping by a store to pick something up for another or taking the time to be with someone. All of these look simple enough for us to do regularly, if only we made the effort to do so. If only we gave enough importance to those around us, whose lives we can change or have a positive impact on through a small act of selflessness.

Sri Lanka has seen a revival of selflessness and an increased vigour of compassion over the last few months. May this new wave of considerateness resonate throughout society and help take us to heights we have never achieved before.?

May the words of Aunty Felicia resonate in our hearts eternally as we work to help those who need us, when they need us, instead of when it suits us. Choose today, to be considerate. kind and accommodative.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

#kindness #srilankacan #tribute