One Candle of Love: Jackie
I met Jackie last year in the UCLA dorms. She was a first year and I was a third year. I had taken some time off school and my adjustment back to school was a bit rough. Jackie is one of the kind souls that made me feel right back at home. She is innately kind with a beautiful, positive attitude. Jackie has this ability to make you feel loved and cared for. Read her story and you will quickly feel the love.
This is her "22 Candles of Love: Act of Kindness" story:
After Serena asked me to participate in this beautiful project, I have constantly been thinking about what a "candle of love" can be.
I equate love with happiness and kindness.
Happiness is a choice. I of all people can attest to that.
A few years ago, I chose to be happy. I went through a difficult time in my life, and it took a lot of energy to just go through the motions of daily life. However, I woke up one day and decided to change. It was a long process, but it was by far worth it. It took less energy to be a positive person than a negative person. I found that I ultimately received more when I put good out in the world than when I was negative and cross. Ever since, I've done my best to live actively and to choose my attitude for each day.
When Serena shared her project with me, I was astounded with the beauty and simplicity of it. Her wish was simple, yet, if it were so simple, why did I have such a hard time writing down "this was my act of kindness" to share with her?
After some searching, I discovered that my difficulty arose out of years of habit. I had spent years to make a positive outlook a habit. With this outlook came a desire to put good out in the world, one smile at a time. Ever since, happiness has become an active choice in my life, and I can honestly say that I am in love with this life more every day.
However, when Serena asked me to just focus on one act, I became aware how I had established a habit without truly embracing the moment. Yes, I was a happy person now, but I did not relish in the goodness of every human interaction. With this project, Serena helped remind me to find the joy in the present rather than in a habit.
So, after much contemplation, I learned my favorite positive interaction that I have at UCLA: my friendship with Lucille, the lady who swipes students into Covel for dinner. Whenever I go to Covel (which is quite often, if I must say so), I make sure to spend a few extra moments to say "hello" to Lucille. We sometimes chat about what food is good that night or even about something as mundane as the weather. We even joke about the Valentines Day strawberries as gifts for my seemingly perpetual singlehood. She even lets me know when she has nights off so I won't worry. When I leave, I make sure to say a quick goodbye. Even if I'm running late, I try and make sure I say good night. Most students in line look shocked or roll their eyes because I'm keeping them an extra 5 seconds from the pasta line. But a few just smile, and those few are the ones who are aware of the importance of human connection.
I do not think of my time with Lucille as me being nice. I genuinely enjoy her company. My smiles and hellos may have begun in an effort to show a human side to the never ending stream of ungrateful students, but they quickly evolved into fondness. I'll never forget the day my freshman year when Lucille recognized me and gave me a big smile. That was the turning point. That was when I felt I was getting more in return for a quick chat. I cherish our conversations so much so that I get worried if I don't see her one night. When she is there and we do chat, even if it's just about the too boiled carrots, it's a great start to my dinner. She brings a smile to all she meets.
This blog helped me discover that an act of kindness truly is an act of love. I love this life, and I love the people I meet. Everyone I've met has had an impact on me, big or small. Yet I've learned that if we put good out in the universe, we will be rewarded with good conversation, good smiles, and good people.
I had learned that happiness was a choice and kindness a habit. But my experience with this blog has shown me much more: the value and importance of cherishing every moment. Love, kindness, and happiness truly make this world a better place.
Thank you, birthday girl, for sharing this blog with me. You are truly amazing. Sending a smile, a hug, and a whole lot o' love to you!
