Amelie Wannabe
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I did not instantly find the story striking. But now I realize that happiness–the kind that actually lingers and is genuine–really does stem from successful efforts at making others happy. I adopted this mantra just recently, when a significant life experience taught me that every little thing i do has an effect on other people, especially on those i love; that what was meant as a joke could actually stay in a person’s memory for years and not lose its ability to rouse painful feelings that are as intense as when it was first told. A present you thought was feeble could bring timeless glee to the person to whom it was given–the price is inconsequential because for the receiver of the gift, it is enough that someone exerted effort to please him/her. A favor done for another adds to some sort of universal credit because the person (supposing he/she is not the selfish type) helped will never forget a good deed and will always be more than willing to offer help when you need it.
I know someone who never wore orange again after someone casually commented on her orange blouse and told her, "Hindi bagay sa’yo!" You could overhear a conversation in a jeep and learn new things. You could blog-hop and pick up new thoughts from entries of people you have never met. Law of Karmic Connections I am a staunch believer in Karma. I remember one Sunday in 2004. I had a grand total of 50 pesos to my name. It was two days before payday, so that was the only money I had left. It was a pretty bad day for me. I went to my then-office to finish the script for a video I was producing for our Asian Conference. When I was turned the key, the knob wouldn’t budge. I realized our Admin. O+fficer gave me the wrong key. I texted my boss, then he called me up and asked me to go to his house to borrow his key. Al’s house is in E. Abada St. and our office was in Xavierville. That meant I had to ride a tricycle to get to his place. I knew it would cost about 15 pesos. So with a downcast heart (that meant 15 pesos off my remaining money!), I rode a trike. When i got off, I asked the driver how much I should pay him (some drivers only ask for 10 pesos, if you are lucky to get the ones really pass that route). He said, "Twenty-five." DANG! I argued with him a little, then resigned that it’s useless anyway and just gave him the money. Needless to say, I was seething. I felt duped. The only thought running through my head was, "Maka-karma ka din! *#@$%^$ mo!" After Al gave me the key, I walked back to the office. All the way to the end of Xavierville from E. Abada. Under the searing heat of the 12-PM sun. Only to realize that, as i was turning Al’s key and the door still wouldn’t budge, Al gave me key #6. I needed #5. Sweating and panting profusely, I sat on the stairs and cried and screamed out of frustration. I was close to penniless, I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was tired, and I couldn’t even get inside the friggin’ office! There’s no way I could return to Al’s house again and get the right key. That would cost me another 25 bucks and I won’t have money left for 2 more jeepney rides going to my place. Of course I could always walk, but that meant another 30 minutes of scorching physical agony. I just sat on the step and rested. I thought about the driver and realized that I was no longer mad at him. I pitied him even. "Maka-karma ka rin," I thought to myself again. Ever since i took on this mantra, my attitude towards life took a complete turn. It has made me more passionate and laid-back at the same time. I engage in an endeavor, and I feel the burning need to do good. I am (or at least, endeavor to be) polite and gracious to everyone I meet. I have, by far, become less irritable. I try to do good things for other people whenever possible (indulge invitations to meet up even when I don’t really feel like going out or spending, do favors, etc.). I still get mad and impatient, of course. But then I let go of the steam easily because I am relieved by the thought that "Maka-karma ka rin!" and I do not feel pressured to get my revenge: natural circumstances will do that for me. Conversely, this attitude also allowed me to bid bye-bye to emotional baggage caused by guilt over past mistakes–I know my karma will get me, if it hasn’t yet. If something untoward happens (for which no one could be blamed), I think back to bad things I did in the past and realize that these sins brought about whatever "punishment" I was going through. Karmic solutions made me realize that life, after all, is fair. It knows how to give back and it knows how to teach those who try to force things to work to their advantage (and makes sure the lesson is never forgotten). I couldn’t help but think how much better our lives would be if we all just quit being such assoles and bitches, and be…well, nice at the very least. Sana wala nang mga manloloko, sinungaling, mga nang-iisa ng kapwa, maka-sarili, salbahe… I hope everyone just realizes that what goes around comes around. |
