Unexpected Echoes: Reflections on Kind Words and Past Selves.

I received a very interesting call from a friend yesterday—someone I hadn’t spoken to in many, many years. The conversation caught me off guard in the best way. It’s been a long time since I received such kind and affirming words from someone who once knew me closely.

What struck me even more was the realisation that this wasn’t an isolated moment. This was the third person in the span of three months who had approached me to share how impressionable, principled, loving, and generous I had been in their life. Hearing this stirred a mirage of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and quiet confusion.

I am 44 and single. Yet here I am, reconnecting with men who were once part of my past and who I now consider friends. Their words made me pause and wonder: If these were the qualities they saw in me then… what happened?

One admitted that he “dropped the ball” somewhere along the way. Another confessed that if he could turn back time, he would have married me. However, the one who is currently my friend, remains just that – my friend. He too spoke of how impressionable I was, and I almost jokingly asked if I wasn't anymore!

One even reminded me that tea used to be my go-to drink. I laughed and told him, “Now it’s wine.”

I genuinely appreciated the attention and the kindness from these gentlemen. It wasn’t just flattering—it was deeply touching. After all these years, I had left a mark in someone’s life. That matters.

But reflection invites honesty.

I realised that I, too, had sabotaged my own relationships. I was probably very judgmental. Deep down, I didn’t see these men as my life partners. Ironically, the man I did see my life with is the one who broke my heart. Such is life’s quiet irony.

These unexpected kind words have reminded me of the woman I once was—and the woman I would like to be again, despite life's challenges and having been somewhat overtaken by life's events. Life happens. It overtakes us, reshapes us, hardens some edges. It's a powerful feeling to be seen, truly seen, and to be reminded of the positive impact one can have. It’s a call to reclaim that essence, to navigate the present with the wisdom of the past, and to embrace the future with renewed grace.

And maybe that, in itself, is a gift worth rediscovering.

👋 The Smallest Gesture That Completely Changed My Morning.

There’s a unique, bustling energy to public transport in Kenya, particularly when riding a matatu. For those unfamiliar, a matatu is our vibrant, often colorfully decorated, shared ride—a true heartbeat of local travel.

As a naturally shy person, I tend to keep to myself during my commute. I aim for minimal attention, preferring to observe the world outside the window rather than engage. This morning, however, that quiet routine was delightfully interrupted by one of the young men who manage the flow of traffic and passengers at the bus stage—the guys locally known as manamba or conductors.

The Unexpected Hello

I was settled in my seat, minding my own business, when I noticed a familiar face. It was one of the bus-stage managers I often see. He came right up to the window, leaning in slightly, his face radiating an incredibly broad, warm smile.

"Hello! Good morning!" he greeted me, with a joyful volume that was completely disarming.

I was genuinely humbled. I hadn't even realized he was near, and his recognition and genuine warmth caught me completely off guard. All I could do was drop my usual shyness for a second and return an equally big, broad smile, offering a heartfelt "Hello!" back.

The Power of Acknowledgment

It was just a few seconds, but that single, genuine greeting made my entire morning. In the rush of a busy city, it's easy to feel invisible, especially when you prefer to blend into the background. His simple act of kindness—of truly seeing me—was a powerful reminder of human connection.

It got me thinking:

How often do we miss opportunities to share a moment of genuine warmth with a stranger?

Imagine how different the world would feel if we all deliberately sought to offer such a generous, kind greeting.

Go Out and Make Someone's Day

That young man, simply by hanging on the window with a smile, delivered a powerful dose of unexpected joy. His energy was infectious, and it’s a feeling I want to pay forward.

We all have the power to influence someone else’s day for the better. It doesn't require a grand gesture—just a sincere smile, a warm, unhurried greeting, or a moment of true acknowledgement.

Let’s go out there today and consciously make someone’s day brighter. You never know how much that little moment of connection might mean to them.