Ruts in habits make kindness underappreciated.

To be honest, when we give love and help others, we often receive words of gratitude. We respond with "It's nothing," but our hearts are incredibly happy.

I sat down to look at old photos and videos and felt truly moved. I’m grateful that I posted them – it’s a way to appreciate social media. Over the past two years, I’ve met quite a few people, mostly because I changed jobs and learned many new artistic skills. Because of this, the loss that comes from farewells is what I feel the most clearly.

If someone is no longer in this world, I can't find them, but I feel somewhat comforted when I adjust my thoughts – “They are living in a beautiful world, where I think they are happy.”

Here, in the world where I live and experience every day, there are times when I feel uneasy. There is joy, sadness, disappointment, and even pain. Sometimes I am excited by experiences, but other times I am desperate because I am afraid of standing firm in the face of difficulties. It makes me unconsciously think of the people I have met and loved, they must be feeling the same way.

“We are all ordinary people, no matter how positive we are, there are moments of negativity. Emotions are a sine wave, and our viewpoints and life principles are the axes. If you see someone who is always okay and positive, it’s possible that they are struggling, or you simply haven't had the chance to see their piled-up negativity. A person’s bravery lies in how they face those negative moments.”

Reflecting on the relationships that have come and gone, what touches me the most is the RESPECT (cherishing) I received. I remember every spoonful of rice my grandmother fed me from the age of five until I fell in love with someone. I remember my grandfather’s frowns and then smiles when he took out his wallet every time I said goodbye to go to school far away. I remember every hug and hand-hold from my loved ones when I was on the verge of collapse. I remember every word of encouragement, comfort, and the presence of friends when I was submerged in negativity.

To be frank, I do not regret those things. Everything that has passed, I cherish, but perhaps what I regret the most is not giving “a sincere thank you from myself.”

Undervaluing expressions of gratitude and being reluctant to apologize is a mindset that has been ingrained in the lifestyle of Vietnamese people for a long time. In their hearts, they feel moved and guilty but are hesitant to express it.

Sorry! Thank you! These are not just honorifics to show respect but also loving words. Loving words are those that nurture with love and bring happiness (in Buddhism, they are also called right speech).

RESPECT comes not only from wholeheartedly helping others but also from expressing gratitude. RESPECT comes not only from regret for causing harm but also from expressing “I unintentionally, thoughtlessly, and ignorantly caused you pain.”

The giver may not expect to receive anything in return, but they are immensely happy knowing that they are appreciated. If in this life, you do not consider anything important to avoid “clinging to suffering,” then please do not take anything for granted. Because besides yourself, no one has the obligation to do anything for you, even the person who gave birth to you.

Reflecting on these experiences has deepened my understanding of how impactful small acts of kindness and gratitude can be. It's easy to overlook these moments in our busy lives, but taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate them is essential. Learning to express gratitude and sincerely apologize is an ongoing journey. It requires vulnerability and openness, which can be challenging. However, these expressions are crucial for building deeper connections and fostering a sense of community. By embracing gratitude and apologies, we honor those around us and enrich our own lives, creating a more compassionate world.