Acts of Compassion: A Memriz Moment
- Lola Adeosun
- Oct 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt the urge to reach out to a stranger—maybe offer a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand—but something held you back? Maybe it was fear of being misunderstood or the worry that your gesture wouldn’t be well received. We’ve all been there. Yet, these are the moments when acts of compassion, no matter how small, can make the biggest difference.
I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind lately—acts of compassion.
It’s something we’ve all experienced at some point, whether we were on the giving or receiving end. But how often do we consciously choose to show compassion to a stranger? And how often do we let fear hold us back?
Let me take you back to something I mentioned in the previous blog: You don’t have to see the whole staircase to know the steps are there. This thought came to me after an encounter on the bus that really got me reflecting. There was a woman I noticed—something about her felt like she could have used a kind word, a smile, or just a simple acknowledgement. But I hesitated. I missed the moment, and before I knew it, she was off the bus.
That moment stuck with me. It made me think about how we often miss opportunities to show acts of compassion. These acts don’t have to be grand gestures or life-changing events. They can happen anywhere—on the bus, in a shop, at work, or even online. It only takes one moment and one person to make a difference.
The Fear of Reaching Out
For some of us, showing kindness to a stranger can feel a little awkward. I totally get that. It can be intimidating to reach out to someone you don’t know—what if they ignore you, brush you off, or don’t respond at all? It’s a common fear, but here’s the thing: once you do it the first time, it gets easier. That first act of kindness can open the door to so many more.
You might be surprised by the ripple effect. Someone could be watching, feeling the same hesitation you once felt, and seeing you take that first step might give them the courage to do the same. It’s almost like a silent chain reaction. One person acts, another follows, and before you know it, these small acts of compassion start to become the norm rather than the exception.
Why Acts of Compassion Matter
In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel like genuine kindness is a rare commodity. We’re all so busy, with our heads buried in our phones or minds occupied with the next task, that we sometimes forget the power of a simple act of kindness. But compassion is contagious. Once you start, it spreads, and it has the potential to transform not only the person on the receiving end but you as well.
Think about the last time someone was unexpectedly kind to you. Maybe it was someone holding a door open when your hands were full, or a stranger complimenting your outfit, or even a coworker offering to help with a project when you were overwhelmed. How did it make you feel? It’s these little things that can brighten someone’s day, and they have the power to change the atmosphere around us.
One Person, One Moment
It only takes one person and one moment to create an impact. The next time you’re out in public or even at work, I challenge you to take that first step. Maybe it’s offering a kind word to a colleague, helping someone struggling with groceries, or just giving a warm smile to someone who seems down.
You never know—your simple act of compassion might inspire someone else to do the same. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we’ll live in a world where acts of compassion aren’t so rare after all.
Let’s Talk About It
So, what do you think? Have you experienced a moment where someone’s kindness left an impression on you? Or maybe you’ve been on the giving end and noticed how it brightened someone’s day? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation about how we can bring more compassion into our daily lives.
Take care, and remember, it only takes one person to make a difference.
Join the Movement
At Memriz, we believe in the power of small moments that create meaningful connections, and we invite you to be part of this mission. Join our Friends of Memriz program and help spread kindness and compassion wherever you go. By becoming a member, you'll play a role in encouraging and uplifting others—one lapel pin at a time.
Remember, you don’t always need to know every detail to have an impact. Take that first step, and you could brighten someone’s day.
Have an amazing day.

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