I called my mom right after I remembered she has a day off. She's almost like my therapist these days. I will talk about my problems whilst solving it during our call. Today was another day I am looking for motivation and energy to do some work.
My phone alerted me that it could rain at 2 PM. So, I told my mom that I'll talk to her while going to a nearby food place. I brought an umbrella with me just in case the prediction comes true.
I reached the place and ordered some food. While waiting, I sat in the bench right in front of the entrance. Just before the rain poured, I saw a woman with her old shabby cycle looking into my eyes trying to make a conversation. I was not attentive as I was talking to my mom. But then, she told me from outside where I was sitting " Could you buy these guavas?" I spotted some guavas and a small group of fruit I don't know the name of.
" I picked this from my own garden"
" How much?" I said
" You can pay what you want" she replied
I took out a little money I had and handed it to her. She hurriedly left and said thank you. On the call my mom was asking " what's going on?"
" Ah just bought guava" I replied
" But you don't like guava, why would you buy it?" my mom asked
" ooh, there was this lady, she looks like she needed help and desperately trying to earn some money. Judging by the situation, she really needs the money"
" Yeah, I think these days people need that. Sure the government was able to help at first but now, they are broke"
It was not my first time meeting people like her. I met them a lot when I was roaming outside. I normally don't take whatever they are selling. I only hand them the money and ask them to keep the item.
My parents taught me something I hold on so dearly "When someone comes to you asking money, help them as you can. Never give them money while insulting them. Never let anyone feel that they are indebted to you."
On the way back, I still think about how lazy I am these days while there's this woman, trying to make ends meet and using whatever she could find. She makes effort. She didn't give up when the going gets tough. While looking at me, I can only sigh and shake my head.
Today was another day life is trying to teach me something. To not give up when the going gets tough, to not hope for the Deus ex machina and instead really work on something I care about and things I truly love.
~ Mac
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